A former Co-op stood empty for 10 months is set to become a convenience store once again. The business could be ready to open at the Sneyd Green site in around four weeks.
It will represent a boost to families in the area where community leaders had even written to Co-op bosses to voice their concerns over the ‘severe vacuum’ its exit had left in the area. Now the shutters on the building, which sits at the corner of Sneyd Street and Hanley Road, have finally come back up as works are underway.
StokeonTrentLive previously reported how the branch, which employed 12 members of staff, closed on September 9. At the time the Co-op said it would become a Nisa.
However the deal later fell through and boards went up advertising it for sale with an asking price of £250,000. While it stood empty an open letter signed by James Gandon, who is chairman of Crossways Residents’ Association and vicar of St Andrew’s Church, backed by ward councillors Laura Carter and Javid Najmi, was sent to the Co-op.
They asked for answers over the future of the site and raised concerns over the impact on the local community. Today and the Co-op has told StokeonTrentLive the store has been sold.
A spokesman said: “The former store was sold earlier this month. It has been sold to a convenience store operator.”
It is not yet known which operator has taken it on. However workers at the store say they hope to have it open in around four weeks.