I am pleased to report that after my representations to the Co-operative they have reviewed their decision to close the shop on Atholl Court.

The original announcement made last Thursday prompted a strong response from local residents with protests outside the shop and a petition of over 700 signatures calling for the shop to remain open.

I immediately contacted the Co-op and relayed local concerns about their decision and asked for them and council officers to meet to seek a solution which would keep the shop open. Over the past four days I have spoken to the Co-op and Test Valley officers on a number of occasions and as a result of these discussions the Co-op have decided to keep the shop open for at least three months while we review the situation.

They have agreed to meet Test Valley next week to discuss the lease. Hopefully these discussions come up with a revised package acceptable to the Co-op. If this fails I will be working with council officers to find an alternative operator to keep the shop running.