Co-op Opens New Ashley Down Store, 20 Jobs Created

Co-op has opened a new purpose-built store in Ashley Down on Gloucester Road, creating 20 jobs. The 7,000 square foot store began operations on June 28, 2024, and offers various services, including parcel collection through DPD, a Costa Coffee Express, hot food, an in-store bakery, and grocery delivery via Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats. Additional amenities include customer parking and a free cash machine.

Store Manager Marlon Ritchie stated, “We are delighted to launch our new store. It looks fantastic, and we are enjoying welcoming our members and customers into their brand-new Co-op.” The store also features a soft plastic recycling unit for items like crisp packets and bread bags.

Matty Baker Transfers to Newport County

Stoke City defender Matty Baker has transferred to Newport County on a permanent deal. The 21-year-old joined Stoke City from Gillingham in 2021 but did not make any senior appearances. Instead, he spent the last season and a half on loan at Newport, where he has played 57 games. Stoke has bolstered their defense with Ben Gibson from Norwich City, alongside existing players Ben Wilmot and Michael Rose.

Motorist Demands £1.7k Compensation for Pothole Damage

Matt Shawtell from Oakamoor is seeking £1,719 in compensation from Staffordshire County Council after a pothole on Cheadle Road left his car undriveable last December. Despite reporting the defect and the council’s subsequent repair, Shawtell has yet to receive any response regarding his compensation claim. The council stated that compensation claims are administered by its insurers and that the pothole was repaired promptly.

Darryl Eyers, county council director for economy, infrastructure, and skills, explained that the roads have deteriorated due to a particularly wet and stormy winter, prompting an additional £8 million investment in road repairs over the next year.