March 8, 2001 11:26: News that the 30-year-old Sainsbury's in Purley is to close this summer has shocked residents who fear it could be the beginning of the end for Purley

Secretary of Purley Bourne Residents Association, Barbara Frier, who lives within short walking distance of the High Street branch, is concerned the closure will bring on Purley's demise.

She said: "I don't think Purley shopping is very good as it is - I've watched it go down over the 42 years I've lived here - but this is shocking."

She added: "There is no greengrocers, no fish shop or butchers, and now we will have to take a 20 minute drive to the next nearest Sainsbury's in Warlingham."

She believes the elderly will be particularly put out.

Mrs Frier, who lives in Whytecliffe Road, spoke on behalf of 160 members also worried for the 152 Sainsbury's staff who could find themselves jobless after June 16.

"We were down there this morning and the staff were very unhappy," she said.

"Apparently they will be offered jobs at other branches, but some of them don't drive."

Tory Croydon MP Richard Ottoway has spoken out, saying the closure was inevitable since the Purley Road Tesco's opened nearby in the early 90's.

He said: "I have written to the economic development unit at Croydon Council asking them to do an urgent review."

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said efforts had been made to keep the store open though it has been making a loss for years.

Purley store manager, Mike Hanly, said: "I am saddened that Sainsbury's is leaving Purley after so many years but the viability of the store has been looked at carefully and this decision has not been taken lightly."