RESIDENTS in Over Hulton have launched a petition to keep their local Co-operative store open.

The store, in Newbrook Road, will be turned into a McColl’s following a wider sale of 298 stores by the company.

Denise Sullivan, 66, of Over Hulton, said the community is “devastated” at the closure because it is “part of its heritage”.

She added: “There are so many people who use the Co-op.

“It is a hub of the community and a lifeline for some people.

“Everyone is upset about it. We really want to keep it.”

Mrs Sullivan, along with resident Shirley McDonald, launched the paper petition last week and have so far collected 600 signatures. People can sign the petition outside the store.

The sale of the store is one of almost 300 involved in a £117 million deal to McColl’s.

The change in ownership is set to be completed in November.

All 3,808 staff at the affected stores across the country, including the 18 at the store in Over Hulton, will be given jobs with the new owners, under the same terms and conditions.

But Mrs Sullivan said the village residents “do not want a McColl’s”.

She added: “I have lived here 45 years and I have always known it as a Co-op.

“My first job was with Co-op insurance, by husband was a butcher’s boy for the Co-op, in my day everyone worked for them and was even buried with them. It is part of our heritage.”

A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “I can confirm the sale of our Over Hulton store to McColl’s.

“The sale is part of a continuation of the Co-op’s food strategy to focus on providing a strategy of delivering a compelling and convenient shopping experience for its millions of customers and members, every day.

“An important consideration for us was that colleagues would have continued employment as a result of this sale, and this agreement ensures that colleagues will continue in their jobs.

“The decision to sell the store is in no way a reflection of the hard work and commitment from the 18 colleagues working at the store.”

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