Two Co-op food stores in Plumstead and Erith are being sold off.

Both outlets, with 37 employees working in Plumstead High Street and Bexley Road, are part of a 36 shop sale to restructuring firm Hilco trading as the Food Retailer Group.

The sale is expected to be completed by July 7 with all employees being kept on - no redundancies have been forecast, the Co-op has confirmed.

Speaking about the selloff Erith and Thamsmead MP Teresa Pearce said: “I am pleased to see that the new owners have committed to retain all the current staff.

Sites of both shops being sold off in the Hilco buyout.

“It is very sad to see Co-op stores closing as we have such strong links in the area to the original Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society.

“I hope the new stores serve local people well and offer the same quality of ethically sourced goods that the Co-op always has."

The Plumstead and Erith stores were part of Co-op’s £1.6billion takeover of the Somerfield chain in 2008.

Steve Murrells, Chief Executive of Co-op retail said: “The Co-op Food business is moving forwards with a clear purpose and momentum, so we can deliver a compelling, convenient and co-operative shopping experience for millions of shoppers each day.

“It is essential that we have a proactive property programme in place to support our long-term growth strategy and this sale aligns with that approach.”

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