Co-op Claines future leads to a campaign launch amid rumours

Claines Co-op on Ombersley Road has been a hot topic for the past week after rumours started circulating on social media that it may be closing. 

A spokesperson for the supermarket chain refused to rule out the possibility but also added that no decision had been made yet.

Cllr Mel Allcott has launched a campaign to save the convenience store amid the rumours.

READ MORE: Gwillam's Farm Shop set to close

She said: "Just before the weekend, with much concern from staff, customers and local residents, it came to my attention that the co-op convenience on Ombersley Road is due to be closed.

"I spent some of my childhood growing up in Claines and have spent a significant amount of time here as a resident and a councillor.

RUMOURS: Cllr Allcott is a regular shopper at the Co-op in Claines (Image: Mel Allcott)

"This convenience store is always busy, and a large co-op lorry regularly arrives to replenish stock.

"The staff are always busy and helpful to customers.  

"It is only once in my life that have I arrived to be the only car and customer in the shop.

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"I know how much my residents value and use this busy convenience store because it is a co-op and because of the brilliant staff."

Cllr Allcott has set up a petition which was launched this morning and sent an email to the CEO of Co-op and Robinj Walker.

She is speaking with  employees and shoppers.

Suggestions had been made that the shop may be taken over by either Nisa or Circle K, an American convenience store chain.

However, Pal Heldaas, Circle K's director of communications in Europe, said: "I wish it was the case, but so far, we don’t have any business in England."

READ MORE: 'Stolen' lorry travels in wrong direction on M5 leading to motorway closure

Nisa has also been contacted for a response.

The store is the smaller of two Co-ops on the same road in Worcester and is located on the corner of Colin Road.

Cllr Allcott says fears of closure have been exacerbated by the soon-to-be closure of nearby Gwillams Farm Shop - with customers saying that would leave the Co-op as the only convenience store in North Claines.

A spokesperson for Co-op said: “Like all retailers, we regularly review our sites.

"No decisions have been taken regarding our Ombersley Road store, and the store remains committed to serving the community.”