A prominent UK supermarket chain has shut another branch just weeks after revealing expansion proposals. The Co-op outlet first launched in Minehead 42 years ago and has now closed its doors permanently.
Store Closure Details
The high street shop, operating in Somerset since 1984, was situated on The Avenue at the bus station site. The closure follows the chain's announcement of expansion plans for 2026, developing both the retail and funeral services divisions of the business.
A spokesperson for Co-op told the Somerset County Gazette: "Co-op remains committed to serving the Minehead community through our Alcombe Road store, however we have made the difficult decision to close our store on The Avenue, following the refusal of a planning application to redevelop the site to include a purpose-built and sustainable new Co-op store."
Our priority is to fully support The Avenue store colleagues, and we would like to thank the community for its continued support for the Co-op in the town.
Loss of Post Office
With the store's closure, the town has also lost its final remaining Post Office. The outlet served shoppers for the last time on June 13, with the Post Office shutting four days earlier.
There were aspirations for a Post Office to launch on Summerland Avenue as an alternative, but the planning application was turned down. The nearest Post Office branch is now situated in Dunster, approximately three miles distant.
Residents described this as 'devastating' with a Post Office statement confirming that a temporary arrangement is being developed. The spokesperson said: "We are working hard to restore service to the community as soon as possible. I would like to assure you that we are working hard to keep any period of closure to a minimum."
