A NUMBER of Co-operative stores in Wiltshire are going to be sold to McColl's as the national chain looks to boost sales of its own products. 

The stores in Dursley Road and Seymour Road in Trowbridge and Pembroke Road in Melksham are apparently too small to stock a full range of their products and will therefore be sold along with 295 stores in a deal worth £117m.

Customers have been reassured that stores will continue to trade right up until the handover which is expected to be completed in November.

Current staff working at the stores will keep their jobs under the same employment terms and conditions.

Steve Murrells, CEO of Co-op Food, said: “The Co-op Food business continues to move forward with a clear momentum and purpose to deliver a compelling and convenient shopping experience for our millions of customers and members.

“Today’s announcement is completely in line with our strategy, as these stores did not allow us to provide a sufficiently compelling own-brand offer for our members going forwards. The proceeds will be re-invested to drive sustainable growth for our members and I’m delighted that all 3,808 colleagues will transfer to McColl’s on the same terms and conditions.”