FEARS that the Co-op in Highworth was being run down for closure have been allayed by store managers.

Weeks of empty shelves in the freezers and chilled cabinets at the Brewery Street branch had led some Highworth residents to speculate that the future was in doubt.

One disgruntled shopper, Kay Brown, said: “What’s happened to the Co-op lately? Freezers and chiller cabinets out of action for weeks; empty shelves.

“It’s really gone downhill. I wonder whether it’s being run down for closure? But that wouldn’t make sense after recently having the Post Office and a café installed in there.”

Another, Jill Cuss, echoed the concerns.

“It’s very annoying,” she said. “And you wonder if the fridges and freezers left are working properly.

“I don’t really like to buy chilled or frozen there. It’s certainly in a sorry state.”

Another shopper said she had been put off buying meat from the Co-op after a visit a few months ago.

Cheryl Costello selected some chicken from the chilled area but she only made it as far as the tills before realising that the meat smelled and had gone off.

Speculation also mounted that the cold storage equipment had not been new when the shop was fitted out and was now at the end of its service life.

Ann Clarke took her concerns directly to the management and was told that replacements had been promised by the firm’s head office but hadn’t materialised.

“He was hoping they would be in by the end of this month,” she said. “It makes the place look run down and neglected, and the rumours are flying about. I feel sorry for all the staff.”

But now it appears that the shoppers’ protests have led to some positive action with store team manager Alan Gardener issuing a reassuring response.

He said: “I am pleased to inform you that we now have a date for the new freezers in store. They are due to be installed on Thursday.

“Once installed they will need to be left for a few days to freeze after which time they will be filled. “The store have had an issue recently with late deliveries and we are working with the supply chain to rectify this. I would like to thank you for your feedback and am pleased I am able to give you some good news.

“Please be assured I have amended the errors and going forward I have put better checks in please to avoid an occurrence of this in the future.”