Oldfield Circus Co-op closure

The Co-op store closed on Sunday (15), despite a statement from the Co-op on March 18 saying it would remain open.

A spokeswoman said at the time: "There is no truth in the rumour that we plan to close our Oldfield Circus store."
She added the company's 2,300-strong network was kept under constant review.

Frank Kilduff, chairman of the North Greenford Residents' Association, said: "Costcutter isn't in the same league as Co-op, they don't have the same buying power or range of goods. You would pop into a Costcutter for a box of cornflakes but not do your weekly shop there. A lot of people try to shop locally but now they won't be able to, it will be damaging to the rest of the parade.

"They make a big thing about Co-op being owned by its members but when it came to important decisions like this it wouldn't give us a say.

"They didn't give people a chance to campaign to keep it open as Co-op."

A Costcutter spokesman said he could not say how the store would be run as it would be up to the individual franchisee to decide.

A Co-op spokeswoman said the store's ten staff would keep their jobs at the new shop and added: "We're pleased to have concluded a deal which ensures employment for the staff and a continuing service for the neighbourhood.

"The Co-operative Group will continue to provide a comprehensive service at its two nearby stores in Church Road and Yeading Lane in Northolt."