A SUPERMARKET has confirmed it is set to close the doors of its store after 130 years in St John's.

The Co-op supermarket in The Bullring will be closing in April with a spokesman saying the decision was not taken lightly.

Staff reportedly took the news very badly when they were told of the closure in a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) and were "crushed" by the announcement.

The supermarket's doors will finally close for good on Saturday, April 9.

A spokesperson for Co-op said: “Co-op is moving forward with a real purpose and momentum, and while this usually involves opening new stores, we also regularly review our existing locations and have to take these difficult decisions.

“The decision to close any store is not taken lightly, and only after careful consideration will our store in St John’s close on 9 April.

"This is in no way a reflection on the commitment and hard work of colleagues, who have been informed and who are being fully supported.

"We would like to thank the community for its support of this store over the years and, remain committed to serving our members and customers in Worcester from our stores locally and across the area.”

St John's councillor Richard Udall hopes to fight the decision and help the shop to remain open promising "we will not go down without a fight".

Fight back against Co-op St John's closure

He said: "Sadly it appears the rumours are true, after over 130 years of trading in St John's, our Co-op is to close.

"Sad for the staff, sad for the customers and sad for other traders.

"We may not succeed, but we will fight this decision, we will not go down without a fight.

"The ethical retailer needs to listen to its members, if co-operation means anything, it means member control."

The Co-operative store in The Bullring was built in the 1970s having previously been based where Pasha Everest Indian and Nepalese Cuisine is now.

It is one of the longest-running businesses in St John's with some staff working at the store for 30 years.

Cllr Udall said: "People are very upset, they also have a lot of very loyal customers, for many local people the staff are like family.

"They are the oldest business in St John’s, they need to demonstrate they are an ethical retailer and consult and listen to local residents before they take any final decisions."

Cllr Udall warned in 2019 that a decision to introduce charges to the car park at the Co-Op Food store at the Bull Ring is a "serious mistake".