The East of England Co-op store in Meredith Road, Ipswich, is set to be transformed into a McColl’s convenience store after the Co-op announced the closure of four stores in Suffolk and Norfolk.

Store bosses confirmed that continuing with the Whitton store “isn’t viable for our business” and joins stores in Lowestoft and Norfolk being sold to McColl’s.

Roger Grosvenor, joint chief executive of the East of England Co-op, said: “As a member-owned business, we have to balance the needs of individual communities and stores with the need to provide value for our members and build a sustainable future.

“Despite looking at lots of options, unfortunately continuing to operate these branches isn’t viable for our business.

“Although we are saddened to no longer be operating these stores, we’re pleased that the local community will continue to have access to a convenience store and the sale has secured the employment of our colleagues, who are being transferred to McColl’s.”

The Co-op confirmed its existing pharmacy in the store would remain as a Co-op-run pharmacy in the new McColl’s store, as the convenience store undertakes the revamp.

Dave Thomas, chief operating officer at McColl’s, said: “We are delighted to acquire these four convenience stores from the East of England Co-op and welcome all of our new colleagues to the business.

“We pride ourselves on our local neighbourhood focus at McColl’s and look forward to providing the communities surrounding these stores with a full range of amenities and neighbourhood services at a competitive price.

“The stores are the perfect size for our operating model and the acquisition is fully aligned with our convenience store expansion strategy.”

The Co-op will close on Saturday, October 15 before re-opening as McColl’s in the afternoon on Monday, October 17.