Village store to close at cost of 17 jobs
TESCO is to close its Milnrow store with the loss of 17 jobs. The supermarket chain has announced its ‘Express’ store on Milnrow precinct will close on November 25.
It says the decision to close the store was ‘not taken lightly’ and has pledged to try to find alternative jobs for staff within the company.
Coun Neil Butterworth said the move was a ‘real blow’ to the village.
He added: “Tesco has been in the village for many years and is really popular. I’m writing to Tesco for more details why they have decided to pull out.
“I am also concerned about so many local people losing their jobs.
“I am also asking the company to make every effort to find its employees jobs in its other stores in the area.
“Many people have told me they are puzzled as it’s such a busy store and must have been profitable.
“We are fortunate in that we have other major retailers in Milnrow, notably the Co-op and Aldi, but this is still a bitter blow.
“It also leaves a big hole in the shopping precinct and I’m worried about the future viability of it and the future of other shops there.”
Coun Butterworth says he has also asked the council to work with the owners of the shopping precinct to seek assurances about its future and to offer support to let the vacant unit.
He added: “The council offers business rates reductions for new shops opening up in Rochdale town centre. I want the same for Milnrow and Newhey.”
“As the local councillor I am passionate about Milnrow and Newhey.
“My priority is to make sure we have thriving shops and businesses and a prosperous future for all our residents.
“We can all do our bit by shopping locally.”
A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to close our Milnrow Express store on Newhey Road.
“The store will close on 25 November 2017.
“This was not a decision that was taken lightly and our priority is to explain to colleagues what this announcement means for them and wherever possible, we will offer them alternative roles with Tesco.
“We would like to thank all our customers who have shopped in our store.
“We will continue to do our best to serve them through our Whitworth Road Express, our Rochdale Superstore and out dotcom service.”