AS REGULAR shoppers we are very sorry to see the Co-op in Ashley Road is closing down.

Our family have been using the shop since the 1960s which has been in Ashley Road since the 1950s.

For many of us a whole lifetime.

Along with the large Co-op departmental store on three levels where now we have The Churchill and Peacocks.

Before it closed in the 1990s people used to come from far and wide to use both stores.

It is now an end of an era. We are very sad the store is closing.

Not just the shop and familiarity but the staff. Many over the years have become friends. So helpful.

Some customers have been in tears this week. Really bucks you up when you are on your own and a friendly face asks how are you.

So I would like to say a very big thank you to to all Co-op staff who have been so helpful and friendly over many years.

To mention a few of the names, Linda, Sandy, Karen, Angie, and Arthur.And all the hard working managers and staff filling the shelves.

Thank you all very much.

You are all going to be very much missed.

Irene Cooper

Churchill Road,

Parkstone