I have been informed today that the Armley Town Street branch of Co-op Food is due to close at the end of April. This was after writing to Steve Murrells, Head of Retail at the Co-operative, about rumours concerning the branch’s future.

I condemn this closure in the strongest possible way. Without any consultation or notice, the Co-op have decided to withdraw from one of the most deprived areas in Leeds, leaving it without a large food store and making 21 local people redundant. Whilst other high street names are working to improve the area, this move by the Co-op was taken in spite of the efforts the community has made in recent months to re-invigorate Armley Town Street.

This is an appalling decision that will devastate a community which has stayed loyal to the Co-op for many years. I am now seeking an urgent meeting with senior executives to see what options, if any, can be found to change their minds or at least mitigate the closure on local people.