Co-op to shut town store

Bridgnorth's town centre Co-op is to close because it is losing money due to increased competition, bosses said.The supermarket said it had taken the "regretful" decision to axe the food store following a period of review. It said today it would not be renewing its lease on the Listley Street building.

The Co-op has faced stiff competition from the Tesco store in High Street and Sainsbury's, while both Tesco and Marks & Spencer have both announced plans to open in the town.

Adrian Barradell, spokesman for the Midcounties Co-operative, said: "After a period of review and close monitoring the Midcounties Co-operative has regretfully taken the decision to close our Bridgnorth store.

"In recent years, the store has traded within a changing and increasingly competitive market in the town centre.

"We rent the property and therefore are not renewing the current lease."

The Co-op will retain the two Stars stores it acquired in March, in Bridge Street and on The Grove estate.