FOUR new Asda Supermarkets open across Merseyside this week after a £2m investment by the retail group.

The outlets – in Green Lane, Stoneycroft; Church Road, Wavertree; St Mary’s Road, Garston; and Stanley Road, Birkenhead – are linked to the acquisition of former Netto stores and their conversion to the Asda brand by the supermarket group.

The switch to the new format Asda outlets has also created 33 jobs across the four sites.

Stoneycroft and Church Road opened yesterday, while the Birkenhead and Garston stores are set to open today.

So far, 77 former Netto sites have been converted into Asda Supermarkets and Asda president and chief executive Andy Clarke revealed that the group will accelerate its programme of conversions.

He plans to have 250 Asda Supermarkets open by 2015, complementing the existing superstores and supercentres.

The Merseyside stores all closed on August 13 and have opened on schedule after their £500,000 refits.

Asda Supermarkets area manager Steve Shirley said: “Despite being small Asda Supermarkets we think customers are going to be delighted with the new stores.”

As well as carrying more than 10,000 grocery products the new stores will also offer PayPoint, lottery and cash machine services.

The Stoneycroft site was opened by Brenda Wilson, manager of the nearby Sure Steps Nursery, and some of the children who attend the day centre.

Store manager Dave McGimpsey said they were chosen to highlight the important part they play in the local community.

He added: “We wanted to celebrate the opening of our new store with the people who really make a difference to the community. We’ll work hard to ensure that we play our part helping our other neighbours out in the future by getting involved with community events and good causes.”

The same criteria saw Barry Hayden, who runs the barbershop on nearby Penny Lane which was immortalised in the Beatles song of the same name, do the honours at the Wavertree store yesterday.

Mr Hayden said: “It’s a real honour to be asked. The Beatles sang about a barber in Penny Lane showing photographs of every head he’s ever had the pleasure to cut, and this is a tradition I am continuing.

“I use social media to share images to ensure both visitors and local customers ‘Come Together’ and really enjoy that Beatles experience.”