The Co-op has announced the sale of its store in Kingsway Gardens, King Arthur’s Way to McColls.

The store has been sold as a going concern and the 13 staff will transfer to McColls. The store will cease trading as a Co-op on 24 May. A Co-operative Group spokeswoman said: “We are pleased to have concluded a deal which secures employment for the staff and our thanks to them for their commitment and hard work.”

The spokeswoman emphasised that The Co-operative Group is committed to community retailing in the region and in the past year had invested more than £17 million in acquiring new businesses and refitting and converting local stores to its new trading format to offer modern shopping facilities and comprehensive ranges. The Co-operative will continue to provide a service in Andover from its stores in London Road and Weyhill Road.

I remember the local protests at the time the possible closure of the shop was announced and am proud to have taken a leading role in fighting the closure. I spoke directly to managers at the Co-op and urged them to look again at their decision.  As a result of those protests the Co-op thought again and promised to try and keep the shop open.

This deal is the result of months of negotiation between the Co-op, McColls and Test Valley Borough Council. I am pleased to see the Co-operative kept their word and responded to local concerns about their planned closure. They have kept the shop open throughout the winter and the new deal secures employment and a shop for the future.

This shows how, by negotiation and compromise, we can all work together in the best interests of the community. I look forward to the new owners taking over and continuing to provide an essential local service.