MYSTERY surrounds the new team who are set to reopen a newsagents in St John's.
A banner has gone up in the window of the former Richardson's, which says: "Coming soon your local store - off license, newsagent, tobacco, lottery and groceries."
St John's councillor Richard Udall said the new shop was "good news" and welcomed a 'newsagents coming back to the village'.
But he told the Worcester News that it was a bit of a mystery who was set to run the new store on the A44 Bromyard Road.
Good news, another vacant shop has been let in St John’s, we have a newsagents coming back to the village in the city pic.twitter.com/rLRLtQsFtF
— Richard Udall, the Voice of St John's (@UdallVoice) April 16, 2022
"There had been speculation it would be an off licence for some time," he said.
"It is great news, it could be a good opportunity for people to get bread and milk, and groceries, especially after losing Co-op."
He added the store would require a change in status with the city council to be able to serve alcohol, but that was "likely to be a formality".
The unit has been vacant since Richardson's in St John's closed, when the previous owners stepped down for personal reasons.
At the time it was understood it would quickly reopen but that didn't materialise, and the unit has remained closed for two years.
New newsagent follows Co-op closure
The Co-op, in The Bullring, closed on Saturday, April 9, after 130 years trading in St John's.
Cllr Udall had been vocal in his support to try to save the Co-op branch.
The closure was first reported in February, with a spokesperson for Co-op stating that the decision had ‘not been taken lightly’.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel