AFTER 130 years of trading in the area, the Co-op in St John's is set to close this week.

The site could become a 60-bed retirement village and care home for the elderly - but neighbouring businesses are sad to see it go.

The closure will have a direct impact on the community warned councillor Richard Udall who previously said that the St John's store is 'essential' to the area. 

Tracey Mckeown, Receptionist at Beauty by Tabitha is worried that the store closure might affect business for the salon. 

Ms Mckeown said: "It's a big loss for St Johns, clients use the Co-op and then come here, so the store is good for business.

"I'm hoping we will stay as busy as we are. I would like to know what they're doing about the car park." 

A spokesperson for Co-op confirmed: "The decision to close any store is not taken lightly, and only after careful consideration has the difficult decision been taken for our St John’s store to close (on 9 April).

“The closure is in no way a reflection on the commitment and hard work of colleagues.

"Colleagues entered into a consultation process that enabled them to talk about and express their preferences and choices based on their own individual circumstances.

"All have been fully supported throughout the process, including filling vacancies in stores around the area.

“The Co-op would like to thank the community for its support of the store over the years."

Opposite the supermarket, popular butchers H.Dayus said the Co-op does not impact its trade due to his shop's strong social media presence.   

Butcher Tristan Meier said: "I don't think the store closure will affect us a lot because we have quite a good online presence.

"But I think it will have a big effect on people in the community, even we use the store quite a lot."

The St Richard Hospice Charity Shop benefitted from being just opposite the Co-op. 

Jordan Turner, who works at the shop, said: "Normally customers would come and have a look at us too. 

"I reckon it will shock the older generation when it closes because they're used to shopping in a smaller store." 

The store has been open in the area for over 100 years and is a key part of the community.

Ms Turner said: "My Mum used to work there when I was born 21 years ago, she used to be a cleaner there and the people were friendly."

Members of staff at the supermarket have called the store closure 'the end of an era'.