Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

The Co-op store in Newbridge will close at the end of next month, the supermarket chain has announced.

The Co-op said the decision to close the store was “difficult” but it was looking to help staff find new jobs at nearby Co-op stores.

A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum and while this often involves opening new stores, we also regularly review our existing sites and have to take difficult decisions.

“The decision to close any store is never taken lightly and, only after careful consideration will our Newbridge store close on 30 October.

“We would like to thank the community for its support of this store over the years.”

The announcement has been slammed by Islwyn’s Member of Parliament, Chris Evans, who described the closure as a “devastating blow”.

Mr Evans said: “I have heard from staff and local residents who have expressed serious concerns about the impact on the area, concerns which I very much share.

“This will be a devastating blow to the local community who now will not have easy access to groceries.

“Those who are reliant on public transport will now have to pay to access their groceries as there are no other supermarkets within walking distance of Newbridge. For those on low incomes this will have a huge impact.”

He added: “I am extremely disappointed at how late in this process I have been informed of the decision. I would have welcomed consultation much earlier in this process. As a company who claims to value social responsibility, I have written to the Co-op’s CEO Steve Murrells to request a meeting to discuss the impact on the local community.”