Petition Against Store Closure

People living in Appledore say they'll struggle if the planned closure of the only dedicated food store in the village goes ahead.

The Co-Operative have announced the closure of its Appledore store, which is now due to close on 29th May.

But people living in the village say it's the only place they can buy essentials like bread and milk, along with other chilled and frozen goods.

It's also a lifeline for some of the elderly residents, who are too ill to cope with a journey into Westward Ho! or Bideford.

A spokeperson for the group campaigning against the closure, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's not just the odd one or two [who use it].  Initially, the first comment was, 'Well it's only a small place'.  It may be, but it is well served."

A Co-operative spokeswoman said: "The closure decision was taken with the greatest reluctance and much regret and was due to the store's poor trading performance.

"The Co-Operative is committed to community retailing in the region and last year invested £17 million pounds in refitting and converting local stores to offer contemporary shopping facilities and comprehensive ranges."

Petitions against the closure are at various locations, including shops and pubs, in the village.

Tell us what you think - Do you use the Appledore store?  What difference will the closure make?  Add a comment below.