A SECOND Co-op store has opened in Watchet to rival a long-standing supermarket in the town run by a different branch of the co-operative movement.

The existing store in Swain Street is run by the Manchester Co-op Group, while the new one in Liddymore Road is owned by the Radstock Co-operative Society.

It was opened on Friday by town crier David Milton and pupils of Knights Templar First School, who were invited to cut a ribbon.

They were watched by local councillors and representatives from Watchet Coastal Community Team, WACET, the town council’s environment and tourism committee, and local residents.

Watchet Knights Templar School Co-op cheque store opening
Watchet's Knights Templar First School receives a £150 cheque from the new Co-op. ( )

New store manager Linda Fraser presented the school with a £150 cheque to mark the beginning of the Radstock society’s work with the local community.

As a welcoming gift, people who signed up to become a member of the society on the day were given 10 per cent discount, while the first 50 new members also received cupcakes from Glenmore Bakery and a Radstock Co-operative Society ‘goodie bag’.

There was also an opportunity to sample an array of tasters from Proper Cornish, Country Choice, and Bobby’s Food.

The Watchet store is the second of the Radford society’s to launch with the international Co-op marque.

Chief executive Don Morris said: “Radstock Co-operative Society has served the South West for more than 150 years and it is essential we continue to demonstrate that we are a truly local independent business while ensuring everybody recognises we are part of a much wider international co-operative movement.

Watchet Co-op new store town crier David Milton
Watchet town crier David Milton opens the town's new Co-op store. ( )

“As a locally owned and locally managed retail co-operative we are proud to be serving the Watchet community.”

Mr Morris said the store boasted electronic shelf-edge labels and energy saving fridges, technology which would serve customers well into the future, and also Evri and ATM machines

Along with an expanding product range the store included a Costa coffee machine, hot food to go, and an in-store bakery, and would soon have a F’real milkshake machine and a self-service till.

Mr Morris said: “We are also pleased to be supporting local suppliers such as M&Ms sandwiches, Proper Cornish, and Thatcher’s Cider, while the balloons for the opening were provided by local company Mimi and Moo.”