New look supermarket and Post Office moves a step closer

Shipston’s town centre is set to receive a boost with news that The Co-operative Food has exchanged contracts on a lease of the Post Office building. This is an important step forward in securing the future of the town’s post office, which provides vital services for residents and businesses.

Negotiations are currently under way to ensure those directly affected by the move are fully prepared, following which, The Co-operative Food intends to submit its application for a licence from the Post Office, before completing the acquisition.

In the meantime, significant progress is already being made at the rear of the food store, to build the extension which gained planning permission last year. “Back office” and storage facilities are being moved upstairs to pave the way for increased shopping space on the ground floor. The business is hoping to complete the remaining phases of the project by the end of November.

Mayor, Philip Vial, said “We are delighted to hear plans are progressing well and that post office counter services will remain in the town. We are grateful to the Shipston Heritage Centre for making good use of the empty shop space in the meantime, which has given the property a boost while its long-term future is secured.”

Store Manager, John Houston, said “We are now well underway with our works to extend the store and are pleased to be able to incorporate the Post Office within these plans, maintaining this important service to the community”.

The expanded store will, alongside other local food and household goods retailers, help to meet one of the objectives in Stratford District Council’s Draft Core Strategy - to sustain and enhance town centres.