Clayton-le-Woods Co-op: Central England Co-operative officially opens its first store in Lancashire creating 18 new jobs

The Society, one of a number of retail co-operative societies trading under the "Co-operative" banner, today (Friday May 13) officially opened its store in Wigan Road, with local schoolchildren helping to cut the ribbon.

The community food store offers shoppers an expansive range of products on their doorstep, and has features such as self-service checkouts; an extensive food to go section including hot food, Insomnia Coffee and Tango Ice Blast; a customer car park and customer toilets with baby changing facilities.

The modern, spacious store also features special eco-friendly fridges, LED lighting and a free water refill station in line with the retailer’s sustainability goals, as well as outdoor seating and a community noticeboard.

Children from nearby Lancaster Lane Primary School in the village were invited to cut the ribbon on the new store and enjoy a tour from the Wigan Road Store Manager Saj Bax.

A food bank collection point has also been installed to support the work of Leyland Food Bank as it continues to manage the increased demand caused by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

To mark the launch, Saj made a special donation of food and essentials to the food bank and said his team were looking forward to being part of the local community in Clayton-le-Woods, hoping to build relationships with local groups and organisations.

Saj said: “It’s great to have finally opened our doors and welcome our new customers and members to see our fantastic new store and see what we have on offer.

“All of us here are proud to be part of such a great community in Clayton-le-Woods so we were delighted to welcome children from Lancaster Lane Primary School to join us on our opening day and cut the ribbon on the new store.

“It was also great to welcome Leyland Food Bank down and help kick off our relationship with a donation to support the brilliant work they are doing supporting the community.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank local residents for their patience as work on the store has progressed. It’s been long-awaited, but hopefully everyone will enjoy the store as much as we do.”

Shoppers visiting the new Wigan Road store can sign up to become a Central England Co-op member to receive a range of special offers, join member groups and activities and help support the local community through the Society’s Community Dividend Fund.

The store is now open from 7am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday and it offers a wide range of products from everyday necessities to “something a little more special”, including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled beers and wines, fresh and frozen product, fresh pastries and bread from the in-store bakery and Co-op Irresistible and Fairtrade product ranges.

The store also offers Lottery, Paypoint and a free cash machine.