SUPERMARKET chain Co-op has decided to pull another store out of Southampton.

The Co-operative Food group has closed its store in Hinkler Road, Thornhill, due to its “poor trading performance”.

Staff have been moved to other positions within the company but its closure came a day after the firm shut its doors on a shop in Portswood Road.

The firm also announced it will shut its store in High Street, West End, on August 24.

Now the firm must find another convenience trader to go in its place in Thornhill – or hand the premises back over to Southampton City Council.

Cllr Simon Letts, leader of the council and ward representative for Bitterne, said the authority would prefer another supermarket to take over the building.

He said: “The Co-op decided they didn’t want to trade from it anymore because they have got two other stores in the locality.

“In their lease they have to surrender it back to the council or find another food store.

“As they have decided to move out our housing or legal team are now pressing the Co-op to fulfil the terms of the lease. They have to find someone to go in there or we will go in there.

“They have a monopoly in Thornhill with three stores in the area. We are keen to get someone else in there for competition.

“The intention of the council is to keep that unit trading as a convenience store for the people of the area.”

A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: “We can confirm that our store at 165 Hinkler Road closed on Thursday, July 25.

“Staff at the store were informed of the decision, which was taken with the greatest reluctance and is due to the store’s poor trading performance. It is not, in any way, a reflection on the commitment and hard work of the store team.

“We were able to offer positions at other nearby Co-operative food stores in the local area to all 14 members of staff.”