RISING costs at Winsley convenience store owner Bestway Wholesale has led to the shock closure of the popular village shop, it was disclosed this week.
Winsley Parish Council chairman Ed Gilby contacted the UK’s largest independent wholesale group after villagers raised concerns about the Tyning Road shop closing at the end of this month.
Cllr Gilby said: “Rising costs were the top of the list. The Bestway managers said the shop is not making a profit and costs will be going on rising.
“They have negotiated with the Post Office at our store. The first priority is to find a Post Officer to keep the counter going after their employees leave at the end of this month and Bestway and the Post Office hope to keep it open until September. This is subject to finding someone qualified to take it on.
“I will be keeping in contact with the Bestway property department and keep residents updated on developments.”
Worried residents are also likely to raise the shop’s closure at the Winsley Parish Council’s annual meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday at the Village Hall.
The shop is operated through Central Convenience Stores, part of the Bestway group, which also owns the Bargain Booze store at the Texaco fuel station in Bradford on Avon.
Post Office services are available at the retail counter whenever the store is open. These are likely to stay open until September while a new operator is found.
Wiltshire Council ward member Cllr Johnny Kidney said: “I am very disappointed and concerned to hear that the operators of the Central Convenience store in Winsley have taken the decision to close the store at the end of this month.
“The store and Post Office provide a vital service to Winsley residents and it is my hope that a new operator will be found as soon as possible.
“The Parish Council successfully listed the shop as an Asset of Community Value a few years ago, and this would be triggered should the building be placed on the market.
“However, I am hopeful that the owners will be seeking a new operator to take on the space to provide an ongoing service to the community.
“I will add any support I can to ensuring a new operator is secured for the store and that they have every possible help in making it a success.”
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