Overview
- The Salisbury Road branch in Blandford, Dorset, will permanently close on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
- Southern Co-op says the move is part of an ongoing programme to reduce and reconfigure directly managed stores.
- The divestment plan involved 22 sites, with five sales completed, seven due by the end of February 2026, and five still in legal process, while purchasers withdrew from five proposed acquisitions.
- Affected colleagues have been informed, with transfers explored where possible and support offered, though some roles could face redundancy.
- The decision follows a Wokingham Market Place closure in January 2026 and has drawn disappointment from local residents.