Co-op closure puts 35 jobs at risk

The Co-operative Food store off Orchard Street will shut up shop on November 28 as a result of “poor trading”.

It has been operating as a Co-op for the last three years and was formerly a Somerfield store.

A spokeswoman for the chain said: “Staff have been informed of the decision which has been taken with the greatest reluctance.

“It is not, in any way, a reflection on their commitment and hard work.

“Every effort will be made to redeploy staff or to help them find alternative employment.

We have no plans for other closures in the area.”

Mexborough MP Ed Miliband described the announcement as “disappointing” for both the staff and the town.

He said: “This is a bitter blow for the staff who now face losing their jobs.

“I hope the Co-op will do all it can to find suitable positions within the company for the workers affected.”

The news comes just three months after a planning application for a Farmfoods store at the Plant Hotel on Wath Road was submitted with the promise of 15 jobs.

Farmfoods has already purchased the hotel but a decision has not yet been made.

In May, councillors controversially granted planning permission for an unnamed superstore on the former United Carpets site in Mexborough.

Five months later, Kier Property is yet to announce any takers for the site.

A spokesman said: “We are still in discussions with operators.”

Earlier this year, a proposal to build a food store on land at Whitelea Grove/Wath Road was also floated by Bakewell-based Litton Properties Ltd.

A new Lidl, just off the A6023 bypass, opened last December.