A POPULAR supermarket in Clayton is set to be turned into variety retailer B&M.

The Co-operative store in Town End Road, Clayton, is expected to cease trading as a Co-op on September 1, when it will be turned into a B&M store.

The retailer sells a wide range of items, ranging from outdoor furniture and barbecues to food and drink, toys and games, DIY goods and more.

A spokesperson for the Co-operative said it was a “difficult decision”, but these decisions sometimes have to be taken to keep the business “moving forward with purpose and momentum”.

The store is the second in Bradford to close and become a B&M in the past two years, following the store in Towngate, Wyke, which closed in March 2017.

The change follows a national trend in Co-ops being turned into branches of the discount store, including stores in areas such as Cumbria and Cornwall which have changed hands in recent weeks.

While the Co-op will be a loss for Clayton, jobs at the store will be protected as a result of the change, with Co-op confirming its staff will be given the opportunity to transfer to the new operator B&M under TUPE regulations.

After the Clayton store closes, it will mean there are 34 Co-operative supermarkets, express stores and petrol stations across the Bradford district.

Loyal customers will face a further 1.4 mile trip to the closest store in Allerton, 1.5 mile journey to the store in Thornton, or a 1.7 mile trip to Queensbury.

A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “The Co-op is moving forward with a real purpose and momentum.

“While this often involves the opening of new stores, we sometimes also have to take difficult decisions.

“We can confirm that an agreement has been reached to sell our store in Town End Road, Clayton, to B&M.

“Colleagues have been informed, they remain our number one priority and have the opportunity to transfer to the new operator.

“They will be fully supported throughout the process.

"We would also like to thank the community for its support for this store over the years.”

Councillor Sinead Engel (Labour, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said losing the Co-operative store was a “terrible shame”.

She said: “I have had contact from a lot of people who are distressed about this and asking what they can do to try and stop this.

“But it is signed, sealed and delivered when staff have received notice.

“It is a terrible loss of amenities for people who have mobility issues and cannot go elsewhere for fresh food.

“I don’t think B&M will have the same offer the Co-op provided, they seem less community driven.

“The Co-op has been great for the community in Clayton over the years, helping to raise money and allowing us to use their facilities, and I don’t think B&M will provide that.”