A NEW Co-op store is set to open in vacant premises off Station Road, Taunton.

The Southern Co-op says a franchisee is taking on the business in the former bathstore showroom on the Belvedere Retail Park.

bathstore announced it was leaving Taunton in July last year and the building has been empty since then.

An opening date for the Co-op has not yet been publicised, although it will have to wait until lockdown restrictions are eased.

The adjoining business premises is also currently vacant.

It was previously occupied by Laura Ashley ahead of its closure last summer.