£200k re-start for ram-raided store

The Co-op, in Market Place, has been closed since the incident in September which saw it repeatedly rammed by a tractor in a bid to steal its cash machine.

It left the front of the store demolished and the business trading from a pop-up shop in the car park of the neighbouring Black Bull public house.

Today (Friday), children from the village’s primary school and Malcolm Mills, the landlord of the Black Bull, helped Co-op staff to cut the ribbon and re-launch the store.

Chris Pashley, store manager, said: “We are delighted to re-open the store and to welcome the community back into their Co-op – we would really like to thank the community, councillors and local authority for all of their support which has led to the store’s re-launch.”

The extensive repairs, costing in excess of £200,000, involved essential structural work, repairs to the roof, new shop frontage, entrance and signs and, internal refitting including flooring, refrigeration, and suspended ceiling, before readying the store for its re-opening.

The Donington store, the company notes, will deliver a funding boost for local community groups through its membership scheme. Members receive a five per cent reward on purchases of own-branded products and services, with a further one per cent going directly to good causes in the area to make a difference in the community.

Simon Taylor, area manager, added: “We want shoppers in Donington to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. We are also giving back to the community. Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally - simply by using their membership card when they shop with us they will raise much needed funding for organisations nearby who contribute to improving local life.”