DAVE Watts MP has met union representatives and management of the Co-op Superstore in Newton-le-Willows following the announcement that the company intended to close the store.

Discussions were held regarding the implications for the site and also the future of the 60 staff employed at the store.

The St Helens North MP said the management explained that the Newton closure was part of the group's ongoing strategy to close its large Supestores to concentrate on developing their small convenience stores network.

The company said they had been forced to close after experiencing heavy losses due to their inability to compete with large retailers.

Opportunities

However, they also pointed out that they were now developing a new network of local convenience stores which they said were creating new job opportunities in local communities.

Dave told the Co-op management he was concerned about employees' jobs and the future of the site, which is in a regeneration area.

And, along with union official, Nick Gerrard, he raised some possible alternatives to closure plans for the site.

Although the management agreed to look again at any other options, Dave said he was not optimistic that the closure could be avoided.

However, managers did assure him that they would try and find a new owner for the store and that they would do all in their power to help staff with a new owner or re-development of the staff to their local convenience shops in the area.

The management promised to continue to discuss the closure with the unions and that they would also keep Dave informed of any future developments.

Dave concluded by saying that he hoped the Company and unions could find a way to keep the store open as a Co-op store bearing in mind the traditional links between the town and the store. However, if that proved impossible he had been assured that the company would make every effort to find an alternative owner who would retain the site and the jobs of the 60 staff.

Dave also received an assurance that the Post Office facility and sale of the store had no set time limit.