Central England Co-op to close remaining travel branches

“Regretfully, it is proposed to close the remaining eight travel branches," they said. "All colleagues from these sites are now under consultation and, where possible, we are looking to offer them the opportunity to relocate into other areas of our business.

“The decision was not taken lightly, and we would like to thank all staff for their commitment and dedication during their time with the society. A date for the proposed completion of transfers and closures has yet to be confirmed.”

The 16 branches set to transfer to Midcounties Co-operative are: Allenton (Derbyshire); Atherstone (Warwickshire); Beccles and Lowestoft (Suffolk), Castle Donington, Glenfield, Ibstock and Whetstone (Leicestershire); Diss, Kings Lynn and Thetford (Norfolk); Erdington (West Midlands); Market Deeping (Lincolnshire); Oakham (Rutland); and March and Peterborough (Cambridgeshire).

The spokesperson added: “The society can announce it intends to enter into an agreement with Midcounties Co-operative to transfer 16 of its travel agencies into Midcounties successful travel business.

"The two societies have a long-standing and positive relationship, with Central England recently joining Midcounties travel buying consortium following the demise of Thomas Cook.

"The coming together of the two businesses will enable the continuation of a Co-operative travel offer for our members and customers, and the continued employment for a number of colleagues."