Morrisons has announced that the Hollins Road McColl’s is one of 132 to close across England. Hannah Roberts, Hollinwood’s Labour candidate, wrote to Morrisons to ask them to think again.

Hannah said ‘I am dismayed at the recently announced closure of the McColl Convenience Store on Hollins Road. This will cause real hardship for some local residents, many of whom do not have the use of a car and are not willing or able to shop on-line. I’ve asked Morrisons to think again given the impact the loss of this store will have on people already struggling to cope with the costs of living crisis and the very high levels of inflation on many of the most basic foods.’

Morrisons has replied saying they are going ahead with closing the shop. Hannah said ‘I am not surprised Morrisons refuse to think again but it is disappointing news for many local residents.’

The Hollins Road shop has an ATM (Hole in the wall) cash dispenser which is well used. Hannah has also called on Morrisons to commit to keeping the ATM in use even if the shop is shut. She added ‘I’ve pointed out there isn’t another ATM in walking distance and all the bank and building society closures are making it harder and harder for people to get their cash. Despite the growth of cashless shopping, Hollinwood has many older and poorer residents who rely on cash and I’ve seen reports that people are turning back to using cash to try to budget better to cope with the Tory cost of living crisis.’

Morrisons confirmed the ATM will also be removed when the shop shuts. Hannah added ‘Communities like Hollinwood are being hollowed out, losing banks, building societies and grocery shops. It’s about more than shopping – it is also about the places people meet and what makes somewhere a good place to live. Life’s hard enough already without adding transport costs to a food shop. I will continue to campaign to make sure residents can get cash and shop locally.’

Hannah is working closely with Oldham West and Royton’s MP Jim McMahon. Jim Mc Mahon is taking the issue up with Morrisons’ CEO saying “The proposed closure to the McColl’s store on Hollins Road is very concerning. This store plays a vital role in serving the community in Hollinwood, especially those without a car or access to online shopping. It also has an ATM- if this is also removed then there will be no ATM within walking distance for many Hollins Road residents. I have written to the CEO of Morrisons, to urge him to reconsider this case.”