Villagers have been left ‘saddened’ after Co-op announced a store closure within months.

Co-op has confirmed it will close the Chalfont St Peter food store in early spring.

Located in the Bishops House building which previously housed Budgens, Co-op has been providing the villagers a local option for their food shop.

Co-op said they were closing in March because the lease on Market Place was coming to an end.

Rumours are circulating that the building could be developed into apartments, but no planning application has been submitted.

Residents took to social media to express their overwhelming disappointment after the announcement.

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Chalfont St Peter Parish Councillor Karen Dickson said: “It is VERY sad news – especially for our elderly residents, our shop owners and the wonderful staff that have worked at the store for years and years and are so community-minded. Sad news for CSP.”

Alix Buchanan said: “This is such sad news! The village definitely relies on this store.”

Julia Hepburn said: “So more dwellings, more people with less amenities.”

Heather Pells said: “A very useful shop in the middle of the village and resulting in a lot of lost jobs.”

Caroline Bex said: “Makes sad sense now why the neighbouring local pharmacy shut down if the developers have eyes on flat conversions! Sad news for an active and busy village shopping area.”