A DEMONSTRATION is to be held in New Ferry after the Co-op announced plans to close its store in the town.

The Friday afternoon protest has been organised by South Wirral MP Alison McGovern - who said the closure was "bad news for New Ferry and the 17 staff who work at the store now at risk of redundancy."

Wirral Globe:

The Co-op store in New Chester Road will close on May 28

The company said its decision followed a review of the shop's viability and that it was working with staff to find them alternative positions.

The announcement comes at a critical time for the town which has suffered in recent years with the loss several shops and services including Ethel Austin and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Even the Oxfam charity shop closed down last month.

Ms McGovern, who is working with the council on a revival plan for the area, said: "Those who live and work in New Ferry know that the area is in need of regeneration.

"But the truth is the Tory Government have taken away pretty much all means to support regeneration from areas like New Ferry.

"The Government must reconsider the lack of capital for regeneration urgently.

"New Ferry has a number of successful business and is surrounded by beautiful areas such as Port Sunlight and Port Sunlight River Park but unfortunately there are too many unused, poor quality buildings."

Mark Craig, chairman of New Ferry Residents’ Association, said: "The centre is literally dying while out-of-town schemes like the Croft Retail Park have become too successful in attracting new businesses.

"New Ferry needs something drastic to be done to prevent it from becoming a boarded-up ghost town."

A spokesman for the Co-op said: "We can confirm our store in New Chester Road, New Ferry, will close on May 28.

"The Co-op regularly reviews the location and viability of its stores in order to offer a compelling and convenient shopping experience.

"The decision is not in any way a reflection on the commitment and hard work of the store team.

"Colleagues have been informed and every effort is being made to find alternative positions.

"We would like to thank shoppers for their valued custom over the years."