New Co-op Proposed For Rossett – While Spar Announces Its Closure

A former public house in a Wrexham village is to be converted into a Cooperative shop – however just around the corner the local Spar has announced its closure.

The Butchers Arms on Chester Road Rossett is to be converted into a small convenience store to help ‘reactivate’ the currently disused site.

Back in May Wrexham.com reported that the pub had closed to make way for alternative use. Initially it was thought that the pub would be converted for residential use.

Earlier this year the Co-op announced to some media in Cardiff their plans to open a branch in Rossett and other locations in Wales, however it had not been confirmed which exact location they would occupy.

Local residents have pointed out the discrepancy in the organisation talking with national media rather than local communities, who they say were notified only in the last few weeks.

Owners Langdale Taverns have since confirmed that it has reached an agreement to ‘revitalise’ the vacant site of the former Butcher’s Arms, Rossett – with the building’s former use as a pub seen as ‘not viable’.

The proposals would see the Co-op open a small convenience store following a ‘major investment’ by the site’s owners to ‘sensitively refurbish and extend the property’.

This will be the second Coop in the area to have opened in the past twelve months, with the company recently opening a new store just a few minutes up the road in Marford.

A spokesman for the pub’s owners, Langdale Taverns, said: “It became clear that it was not viable to operate the site as a pub. Working with the Co-op will enable us to invest in refurbishing the building in order to re-activate the site, creating temporary construction jobs and permanent retail jobs for local people – we believe that a new Co-op store would become an asset for the community.”

John Hillman, Regional Acquisition Manager for the Co-op, added: “The Co-op is investing to transform and grow its convenience business, and it is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum.

“We are looking forward to having the opportunity to serve the Rossett community. This site will support our focus on convenience store retailing that is delivering a compelling, convenient and co-operative shopping experience in local communities.”

However it has also been announced that the Rossett Spar and Post Office on Station Road is to close after 44 years of trading in the village.

A sign in the Spar window reads: “It is with great regret and sadness that after 44 years of serving the community the Rowlands family wish to announce the closure of the Spar and Post Office on Station Road, Rossett.

“It is not a decision the family have taken lightly but after careful consideration we feel that we have to option but to close the business down.

“Due to economic climate over recent years, changes in the post office policies and increased local competition is has become unviable to remain open.”

The sign adds: “We would like to take this opportunity to THANK all our customers for their loyalty and support over the last 38 years in our current place.

“We hope to see you over the coming weeks and will continue to serve you to the best of our abilities until October 9th.”