A ST JOHN’S supermarket has been branded as “sad, tired and depressing” as one of the area’s councillors called for major investment in the store.
Coun Richard Udall said the lack of investment in the popular supermarket since it opened in the 1970s had been slowly killing it.
He has now written to Richard Pennycook, the company’s group interim chief executive, in a bid to get some answers.
“Many people in St John’s are telling me they prefer to shop in the Co-op as they like the store, the staff and manager are brilliant and a good service is provided, but the store needs a major refit and substantial investment,” Coun Udall said.
“The store needs not only a major revamp but new refrigeration, better tills, a return of the delicatessen counter and improved stock levels.
“People are reporting that family favourites are often missing or no longer available.
“I am worried that neglect from Manchester is slowly killing the store and even the loyalty of the most loyal customers is being tested.”
Coun Udall has also asked for help from the store to provide a zebra crossing on Henwick Road.
“Hundreds of residents living in the St Clements Close Sheltered Housing Scheme struggle to get into St John’s and to shop in their local Co-operative,” he added.
“The County Council have identified a place for a zebra crossing but do not have the funds to pay for it. For a few thousand pounds of investment the Co-operative could pay for a pedestrian crossing which would enable more customers to use their store and have access to the facilities and shops in St John’s.
“I know the Co-operative Group prides itself as being a community retailer, they now need to demonstrate their support for the community that has been loyal to co-operation for over a hundred and twenty years.”
A spokesman for The Co-operative, said the company was constantly looking at improving its stores.
“The Co-operative is committed to undertaking a rolling programme of investment in its stores,” he said.
“Our store in St John’s has seen recent investment in new refrigeration for frozen products, a redecoration of its interior, and fittings to display a new range of electrical goods.
“The store also offers services including its free in-store home delivery service – which can benefit the elderly, parents with young children, and others in the community who may have difficulty carrying their groceries home after they have shopped with us.”
