CO-OP opened its new store and petrol station in Drakewalls last Friday (August 7) following a £1-million investment.

The company has undertaken an extensive programme of works after acquiring the former Pearce’s Service Station and shop site, overhauling the fuel infrastructure, canopy and forecourt and reworking and refitting the 2,250 sq ft convenience store to serve the community.

The 15 staff who worked at the site previously were retained by Co-op and Mike Pyke joins them as the new manager.

Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening was Co-op team leader Sarah Yeoman, who has worked at the site for 36 years.

She said Co-op had done a stunning job on the store, and after five months of the facility being closed, she was really happy to be back working with her colleagues who were like ‘one big happy family’.

‘I started working here when I left school and have been here ever since,’ she said. ‘Now my daughter works here as well. It’s been quite an emotional day for me. It’s lovely to see all the customers back again.’

The Co-op also provides a funding boost locally and gives back to causes in the area through its membership scheme, where members receive a 5% reward on purchases of own brand products and Co-op donates a further 1% to community causes.

The retailer’s food share scheme works to minimise food waste and make a difference locally, working with local not-for-profit organisations to share food with those in need in the community.

Co-op’s community shopping card makes it easier for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to shop and pay for their essentials — cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, enabling friends, families or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.

Colin Olver, Co-op area manager, said: ‘We have had a great response — we are delighted to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Drakewalls.

‘The site has been transformed and we are looking forward to serving the community.

‘Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life. That is why we also want customers to know that they can become a member of their Co-op, and they can make a difference locally every time they swipe their membership card when buying own branded products.’

Students who are TOTUM cardholders — the new name for NUS extra — can pocket a 10% discount off groceries at the Co-op.