Petition to save East of England Co-op in East Bergholt

Larry Furness believes the East of England Co-op in East Bergholt should remain at the heart of the village, rather than move to the outskirts on the Hills Residential development. 

It was announced in July that the store would move from The Street in late 2025. 

"There is an elderly population in the village who walk to the shop and use that as the social part of the day," said Mr Furness.

The current store in The Street (Image: Google Maps) "Where they are proposing the new location is right on the outskirts of the village. It's along a busy road - I wouldn't push my daughter in the pram to get there.

"You need to drive there which a real shame." 

Mr Furness said by moving the store a "vital part" of the village will be removed.

He believes it acts as a hub for many residents, who in turn support other local businesses near to the store.

"The shop acts as the hub for the community within the village," added Mr Furness. 

"Moving the store is going to change that dynamic within the village. And it will then cause an increase in traffic along Heath Road, where if you were to walk along it, it is a very narrow path." 

Since launching the petition, the signature has gained more than 200 signatures. 

A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op said: "We’re proud to continue our commitment to the community of East Bergholt, now and in the future.

"Providing a new, bigger and better store, which is planned to open in late 2025, will enable us to offer a much greater range of products, as well as an in-store bakery and on-site parking.

“We’ll continue to look at all of the options for the existing store.”