Popular Uppermill Spar closes doors just after 18 months after reopening

By Ken Bennett

A POPULAR Uppermill store has closed its doors – just 18 months after reopening.

Delighted locals had welcomed the return of the Spar store on the village High Street when it reopened in September 2014 after closing the previous year.

But on April 6 soon after arriving for work at the store, which had occupied the key site in the village for 20 years, staff were told to leave as it was closing immediately.

A local said: “The staff were in a state of shock. They were grouped round ready to work.

“But the shop just stayed closed for business and we understand it will be stripped of its fittings over the next few days.”

Lorries have been seen outside being loaded with goods and products from the closed store.

OMBC councillor John McCann said: “It really is bad news for Uppermill because it narrows people’s choices.

“The trouble was when the store first stopped trading it had an effect on shoppers. But the shop provided employment in the community and gave a greater choice to residents.”

Graham Scholes, who runs JW Buckley’s family bakery in the village warned: “Uppermill could face two-tier shopping.

“There are low times in winter, busy times during the summer and a night time social scene – just like coastal and seaside towns.”

Another shopkeeper, who wished to remain unnamed, added: “Spar had their own carpark which was a big attraction.

“I don’t think the store every really got over initially closing and then reopening. Shoppers had moved on.”

The store was popular with elderly residents, particularly those who lived just opposite at Warburton Court and around the corner at Riverside House.

One 70-year-old, who did not want to be named, said: “It was a first choice for many of us. It was just a step across the road. It’s a real shame it has closed.”

Spar have been contacted for a comment about the closure.