THE Co-operative’s food store in Sale is back in business after works were completed to repair extensive damage caused by an attempted ram-raid in October.

The Maple Road store re-opened to customers after a six week closure, following the attempted raid, which caused significant structural and fire damage to the building.

Workmen have been busy replacing the shop frontage and roof, and staff have replaced smoke-damaged stock in the store, which only re-launched following a major refurbishment, and £350,000 investment, in June.

During the closure The Co-operative offered a free bus service to its nearby store in Timperley, and opened its pop-up shop on site, to maintain its service to the local community.

Joanne Ayers, store manager, said: “We have worked really hard to get the Maple Road store up and running as soon as we possibly could. The feedback we’ve already had from customers has been fantastic. They really missed us when we closed and they are delighted we are open for business again and that the store is as good as new.

“As a community retailer it was vital we supported local residents while their store was out of action. We would like to thank our loyal customers for their patience throughout the closure, and hopefully welcome them back to meet their grocery needs.”

POLICE have confirmed, the Co-operative Food store, on Irlam Road, Flixton, Trafford, was robbed at 8.30pm on December 4.

Four masked men armed with a hammer robbed money from the till, emptying it into a duvet cover. No-one was injured.