CHARD’s Co-op food store will be closing in February, the retail giant has confirmed.

The closure of the shop on Fore Street follows the Co-op Group selling 298 of its stores to McColl’s in July.

It is not known how many jobs will be lost in the closure.

A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “We can confirm that our food store in Chard is to close on February 11, 2017.

“The decision to close the store has been made as part of our ongoing store review process, and is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment from the 20 colleagues working at the store.

“Every effort will be made to redeploy colleagues within the Co-op, or to help them find alternative employment.

“We would like to thank our shoppers for their valued custom over the years."

Michele Evans, a Chard resident, said: “I just heard that the Co-op in Chard is closing its doors in February.

“I cannot believe it. What a shock. What a shame. The Co-op has been in Chard for years, I’ve been going ever since I moved here which is 22 years. I am gutted for all those lovely ladies who work there and have been part of the Co-op for years.”

Cllr Dave Bulmer, mayor of Chard, said: "This is very sad news because it is one of the larger footprint stores in the town.

"I have been concerned for some time that Co-op is undertrading, while Tesco is overtrading down the road.

"I would hope with the size of that store that there would be interest.

"There is obviously concern about those 20 workers whose livelihoods are going to be affected.

"There are options for people in the town but that doesn't stop the issue of choice for the shoppers. People want greater choice within the town."