MORE than 80 people are at risk of losing their jobs after a supermarket announced it will close in November.

The Co-operative, on New Road in Crook, employs 83 people, who are all at risk of being made redundant when the shop shuts its doors on November 29.

The chain has decided to sell off the store to Lidl, who plan to carry out extensive works to the premises, meaning it would be closed until next summer.

John Baker, of Billy Row, said: “I think it’s a bit ridiculous that we have two co-op stores in Crook, but it doesn’t make any sense to get rid of the big one, it should be the other one that is closed.

“It’s going to be a big loss for the town there’s no doubt about that, anyone who wants to do a big shop is going to have to go out of town now. It’s useful having this supermarket here.”

Another resident, of Crook, added: “It’s all happened very quick, I shop here every week and will have to go into Bishop Auckland now. I can’t drive all of the time so I use the Co-op’s home delivery service a lot as well.

“I know Lidl is a lot cheaper than the Co-op but I doubt they will do home deliveries, I don't know what I'll do. It’s an inconvenience more than anything.”

The store also offers Post Office facilities and is currently open seven days a week, until 10pm Monday to Saturday and 4pm on Sundays.

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: “I can confirm that we have agreed to sell our food store in Crook to Lidl. The Co-operative Group continually reviews its retail estate, and we have made the decision to focus on smaller convenience stores and sell those trading outlets that do not align with our strategy.

“All 83 staff will transfer to the new operator, and it will continue to trade as a Co-operative store until it transfers to Lidl. "However, we understand that following completion of the acquisition Lidl intends to undergo extensive works at the store, after which it will be six months before it re-opens. "Regrettably, this means that all staff are at risk of redundancy.

“The consideration to sell the store is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment from colleagues working at the Crook store.”

The Co-operative is the fifth largest food retailer in the UK and has more than 3,300 stores.