Apologies fro the delay in getting this post up. It seems that there was some misinformation flying about on the Co-Op closure (it was lucky that in my letter to the Council I was careful to include phrases like "If this is the case" etc).

Please find below an email from the Co-Op and then one from the council (although no one seems to be able to spell my name):

Dear Mr. Pierce,

 

Further to your recent enquiry, please find below our statement regarding the closure of the store in West Street, Fareham.

 

STORE TO CLOSE

 

A spokesman for The Co-operative Group said:

 

“The Co-operative Group can confirm that The Co-operative Food store on West Street, Fareham, is to close on 10 December 2011.

 

“Staff at the store have been informed of the decision, which has been taken with the greatest reluctance. The closure is due to the store’s poor trading performance and is not, in any way, a reflection on the commitment and hard work of the store team.

 

“Every effort will be made to redeploy as many as possible of the 28 members of staff with The Co-operative, or to help them find alternative employment.

 

“The Co-operative is committed to community retailing in the area, and it offers modern shopping facilities and comprehensive ranges in our nearby stores.“

 

 

For information on the building itself and matters concerning rent increases I can only advise that you speak with our Property Group who can be contacted on Tel 0161 834 1212

 

Thank you for taking the time to contact the Co-operative, and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us again.

 

Regards,






Dear Mr Price,

 

Thank you for your enquiry.

 

I have heard this rumoured previously and can inform you with confidence, that the shop in question is not owned by Fareham Borough Council and so we would have not have any influence on the rent charged.

 

Officers in the Council will make contact with the Press and the Co-op in order to enlighten people regarding the comments as they are certainly misleading.

 

If I can assist you further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Adrian Collier

Local Taxation Manager

Fareham Borough Council

www.fareham.gov.uk

(01329) 824632