Bearwood Co-op closure a 'huge blow' for staff and shoppers
The closure of a Co-op store will be a "huge blow" to the local community, a councillor has said.
The Co-operative Food store in Bearwood is set to shut on March 12.
A spokesman for the company said "every effort" would be made to find staff jobs at other nearby stores, but Smethwick councillor Parbinder Kaur said move will be felt by everyone in the community.
She said: "It's been there for ages and my family and I go shopping there, plus I know there will be job losses as well, so it's a huge blow for the community.
"I think more could have been done to protect the store and stop it from closing as the Co-op is part of the centre of Bearwood.
"It will also inconvenience people as the nearest stores are in Birmingham and not near here, so I'm disappointed at this closure."
The closure means the nearest Co-op store for customers to shop at will be the store in Quinton, while other stores can be found in Birmingham city centre.
A spokesman for Co-op said: "Co-op is moving forward with a real momentum and purpose.
"While this usually involves opening new stores, including two convenience stores opening in the space of a fortnight following a £1.2 million investment in the Birmingham area at the end of last year in Newhall Street and Exchange Square, we also have to take difficult decisions.
"Like other retailers, we regularly review our network of stores.
"The decision to close any store is only taken after careful consideration, and our store on Bearwood Road will close next month.
"The decision is in no way a reflection on the commitment and hard work of the store team, who have been informed.
"Colleagues are being fully supported, and every effort will be taken to support those who wish to remain with the Co-op with finding alternative positions in the area."
