THE CO-OP have confirmed that one of their stores in Dunfermline will close next month.

Staff were told last week that the Pilmuir Street shop, which has served the local community for decades, will shut for good on July 27.

A spokesperson for Co-op confirmed: “With the lease set to end this summer, our store in Pilmuir Street is due to close.

"The closure of any store is never taken lightly, colleagues have been informed and our priority is to ensure that they are fully supported and given every help with finding alternative positions in our other stores in Dunfermline and the neighbouring areas of Fife.

"We would also like to thank the community for its support of the store over the years.”

There are 14 full- and part-time positions at the shop.

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "This move has really shocked the local community as the shop is certainly well used.

"It will especially concern older and more vulnerable residents, who now face a longer journey to grab their essentials.

"That's why I have written to senior management this afternoon to request an urgent meeting so that we can discuss the reasons behind this decision and what steps are being taken to support staff still working at the branch."