Somerset Co-op closure date confirmed after 42 years

This month, the store on The Avenue, Minehead, had its fate confirmed after the Co-op said it would be closing soon.

It was built in 1984, on the site of the former Minehead Bus Station.

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The statement reads: "Co-op remains committed to serving the Minehead community through our Alcombe store.

“Our priority is to fully support The Avenue store colleagues, and we would like to thank the community for its continued support for the Co-op in the town.”

Since this statement, a sign has been put up inside the co-op to confirm that it will shut on Saturday, June 13.

This closure also means that the Post Office inside the Co-op, which is the only Post Office in Minehead, will be closed down.

Part of a statement issued by the Post Office reads: "We are working hard to restore service to the community as soon as possible."

Information posted on the Post Office website has confirmed the official resignation of the Postmaster at The Avenue Post Office and that the branch will be closing on Tuesday, June 9, at 5:30pm. It added that applications are being invited to operate a new branch in Minehead.

If you are interested in becoming a postmaster at a new Post Office in Minehead, contact Comments@postoffice.co.uk via email.

The reaction to the closure of both the Co-op and Post Office has caused distress via social media.

One person, Warren Eglese, said: "I’ve just heard that the Co-Op and Post Office in town will be closing down in June.

"Such a shame and will certainly be a loss to the town and community."

Another person said: "So sad to see Minehead losing shops like The Co-op and The Factory Shop and Holland and Barrett, and what with the Butlins redundancies, it's a very worrying time for everyone."

Minehead and Tiverton MP Rachel Gilmour previously cited the closures as "devastating" and has since spoken directly with Post Office UK external affairs manager, Laura Tarling, to push for a clear plan to keep postal services in Minehead after the Co-Op, the current operator, announced it will close.

Following the MP's questions, Post Office UK also confirmed the new operator would be able to provide improved services and longer opening hours than the Post Office currently offers.

Once an agreement is reached, it will secure the future of Minehead's only town centre Post Office, addressing the concerns raised directly with Ms Gilmour by residents. Without it, the nearest alternatives are in Dunster or Timberscombe, roughly two miles away.

Ms Gilmour will continue to remain closely involved on behalf of her constituents to ensure the process moves forward as quickly as possible. Once the new service opens, Ms Gilmour is committed to offering her support to the incoming retailer to help provide a smooth transition for residents.

Lib Dem MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, said: “My constituents in Minehead need access to their postal services – something I know people have been concerned about after hearing the news of the Co-Op’s planned closure.

"I reached out to the Post Office immediately, to seek reassurance on this matter for me and my constituents, and I have been pleased with the response.

“I am delighted that the Post Office have identified an operator who can pick up the service in Minehead, and that they are in the final stages of the process of confirming that operator.

"I will keep working with Post Office UK to ensure that this transfer is as smooth as possible for my constituents in Minehead, and that they are supported through any transition period.

“Keeping postal services in Minehead is the correct move by the Post Office, and I look forward to welcoming the new operator in due course, when they are announced.”