A CONVENIENCE store that is "relied on by the elderly and young families" needs saving according to a councillor.

A spokesperson for Co-op previously refused to rule out the possibility the shop on Ombersley Road, near Colin Road, was closing but also added that no decision had been made yet.

Rumours Claines Co-op could be closing circulated on social media earlier this year.

Cllr Mel Allcott, Worcestershire County and Worcester City Councillor for Claines Ward, has now launched an online petition in an attempt to save the shop.

READ MORE: Co-op Claines future leads to a campaign launch amid rumours

She said: "I am very concerned about the possibility of the shop closing because it is so important to a lot of residents.

"We have a lot of elderly members of the community and young families in our ward that rely on the shop for essential items.

"It is always well stocked and the staff are so lovely and helpful. To close the location would be a real loss to the community."

Cllr Allcott said there was no clear reason why they would even be considering closing the shop.

She said: "I am aware that we have had the new Lidl open on Droitwich Road, and also the new Three Counties Produce location at the former Gwillam's Farm Shop site, but I do not think this is direct competition for the Co-op.

"There is also the Co-op on the other end of Ombersley Road but this is not an option for many residents in the area.

"There just does not seem to be any sound reason for this successful store to close."

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A spokesperson for Co-op said:  “Like all retailers, Co-op regularly reviews its sites and we are considering all of the options for the store.

"No decisions have yet been made, and the store remains committed to serving the community.”

The petition is aiming for 100 signatures and has so far achieved 19 in three hours.

Suggestions had been made that the shop may be taken over by either Nisa or Circle K, an American convenience store chain.

However, Pal Heldaas, Circle K's director of communications in Europe, previously said: "I wish it was the case, but so far, we don’t have any business in England."