A major UK supermarket chain, the Co-op, has closed its store in Minehead, Somerset, after 42 years of operation. The branch, located on The Avenue at the site of the former bus station, shut its doors for the last time on June 13.
The closure follows the refusal of a planning application to redevelop the site into a purpose-built and sustainable new Co-op store. A spokesperson for the Co-op said: 'We have made the difficult decision to close our store on The Avenue, following the refusal of a planning application to redevelop the site.' The company remains committed to the area through its Alcombe Road store.
The closure has also resulted in the loss of the town's only remaining Post Office, which was housed within the store and closed four days earlier on June 9. Plans to open a replacement Post Office on Summerland Avenue were rejected, leaving the nearest branch in Dunster, approximately three miles away.
Locals have described the situation as 'devastating'. A Post Office spokesperson confirmed that efforts are underway to restore services, stating: 'We are working hard to restore service to the community as soon as possible.' The Co-op has pledged to support affected colleagues and thanked the community for its continued support.
