Co-Op closure leaves gap in the community

It has recently come to light that the Co-Operative on Broad Lane will soon be closing its doors for good.

It is the latest shop to join the list of stores that have disappeared from Broadway in the last few years, including Poundstretcher, Sayers, and the community market. The Co-Op has been a longstanding fixture in the area, with staff often getting involved in local community projects. It is a thriving shop in the centre of a bustling area – so why is it being closed down, with no consultation?

James Noakes, councillor for Clubmoor, told Alt Valley Voice: ‘We have been disappointed to hear of the proposed closure of the Co-Op in Broad Lane.

‘To date, the Co-Op has provided little to no detail regarding their decision so we are in the dark on this. We have written to them corporately and await a response.’ The store is set to close on 28th July, but community groups have been getting involved to try and halt the process.

A petition has been circulating, started by the Bridge Community Centre, to keep the shop open. Members of Walton Labour CLP gathered more support for the petition outside the Co-Op on 23rd June, and were joined by Dan Carden, MP for Liverpool Walton.

Su Benson-Carson, volunteer manager of the Bridge Community Centre, old the Liverpool Echo: ‘For me, old-fashioned community works, and the Co-op has got that – so that going will have a major impact on the area.

‘Co-Op for me is run for the community by the community – that’s why it’s called a co-operative.’