READERS are torn between whether a convenience store that is rumoured to close should be saved.

People were keen to point out how well-used the Co-op on Ombersley Road is - despite a bigger branch of the supermarket on the same road.

A spokesperson for Co-op previously refused to rule out the possibility the shop on Ombersley Road, near Colin Road, was closing but also added that no decision had been made yet.

Rumours that the Claines 'little' Co-op could be closing circulated on social media earlier this year.

READ MORE: Petition to save Claines Co-op store in Ombersley Road

Cllr Mel Allcott, Worcestershire County and Worcester City Councillor for Claines Ward launched an online petition in an attempt to save the shop.

Kim Shelley echoed comments made by Cllr Allcott, saying that it is still a widely used shop.

She said: "That shop is extremely popular and loads of people support it. I cannot see why it is closing with the amount of people that use it.

Nigel Bradford was optimistic about the shop remaining, on Ombersley Road, but possibly changing ownership.

He said: "I don't suppose this shop will close permanently. Someone will see it as a business opportunity."

Some readers were less passionate about the shop remaining open and approached the situation from a business perspective.

Harry Sherringham said: "It is not that busy and I've never seen it busy even at the weekends.

"It is costing them money to stay open and that is not sustainable in any business."

Keith Braithwaite appealed for convenience stores to lower their prices. He said: "Too expensive. These little express supermarkets are simply ripping people's eyeballs out.

"Keep the prices down please."

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A spokesperson for Co-op said:  “Like all retailers, Co-op regularly reviews its sites and we are considering all of the options for the store.

"No decisions have yet been made, and the store remains committed to serving the community.”

The petition has now amassed 230 signatures.

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, previously said: "I wish it was the case, but so far, we don’t have any business in England."