A PETROL station and Co-operative store have undergone a £1.5m renovation.

The Journal reported earlier this year after proposals for the Cross Hillocks Service Station on Manchester Road, Astley, drawn up by The Co-Operative Group, were granted permission by the council.

The Co-op has re-opened the petrol filling station following an extensive programme of works to overhaul the fuel forecourt with new pumps and canopy and build a new, larger, food store.

The £1.5m investment in the site – which supports 16 jobs – has seen the store’s retail space more than double to over 2,900 sq. ft. to create a compelling convenience offer to serve the community.

Leigh Journal:

The new-look store now includes: customer car parking, Costa coffee express and, in-store bakery, alongside a focus on fresh, healthy produce, ready meals and pizzas, award-winning wines, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and, everyday essentials.

Paul Griffin, Co-op area manager, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to make such a significant investment in our Cross Hillocks petrol station and food store – we have undertaken an extensive programme of works to enhance the fuel and food offer locally, extending the food store and developing the range, choice, products and services that will create a really compelling offer locally to serve the community.

“Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally, and to operating at the heart of local life. That is why we also want customers to know that they can become a Member of the Co-op. In addition to unlocking additional value and personalised offers, our Members make a difference to local causes, with Co-op now donating two per cent to community causes every time a Member swipes their Membership card when buying own branded products.”

Leigh Journal:

Store manager Stephanie Shoreman

Students who are TOTUM cardholders - the new name for NUS extra – can pocket a 10 per cent discount off groceries at the Co-op.

Contactless card payment limits are increased to £45, making it easier, quicker and safer to shop.

The Co-op’s Community Shopping Card makes it easier for those self-isolating or who have been instructed to stay at home to shop and pay for their essentials - cards can be purchased or topped-up by calling 0800 029 4592, enabling friends, families, neighbours or volunteers to shop on their behalf in store.

Leigh Journal:

Elf on a penny farthing Keith Openshaw paid a visit

While the store’s Food Share scheme works to minimise food waste and make a difference locally by supporting local not-for-profit organisations who work to tackle food insecurity.

Co-op provides a funding boost locally and saves shoppers money through its re-launched membership scheme. Members are rewarded with 2p in every pound they spend on Co-op branded products added to their Membership account balance. The Co-op also donates a further two per cent to community causes.

Co-op has around 4.6M active Members, and alongside Food, it operates: Co-op Funeralcare, Insurance, Health and Legal Services.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting coop.co.uk/membership