A new food store is opening next to Nailsea & Backwell railway station this summer.

Work is underway on the flatted forecourt of Backwell Motors for a new Southern Co-op supermarket replacing the old shop which has been demolished.

The Google image show how the store used to look and top is how it looks now.

A Southern Co-op spokesman said: “One of our Welcome franchisees will be opening a brand-new store in Backwell later this year.

“We’re not yet able to confirm an opening date but when it opens the store will offer a great selection of fresh food and groceries in addition to takeaway hot drinks, hot food, freshly baked bread and pastries, frozen food including award-winning authentic Indian ready meals from Praveen Kumar and plenty of locally sourced products.

“We look forward to welcoming the community in store and will share more details on an opening date in due course.”

Backwell Motors bosses Charlie and Margaret Atherton who own the site posted a statement on Facebook to their loyal customers.

It said: “We are extremely proud to have now reached 42 years as owners of the garage but we couldn't have achieved this without you and your loyalty so thank you so much.
“We are beyond grateful that the garage has provided us with so many fond memories and lasting friendships with so many of you but as retirement rears its head we have decided it’s time slow down.
“However we are happy to confirm that we will be continuing with the mechanics, MOTs and body repairs to the rear of the property for the time being.

“So, you can rest assured that you and your vehicles will still be cared for by us.
“As of the end of January 2024 we would like you to welcome and support the new ownership of the forecourt shop/petrol station which will soon close for a short time while undergoing a refurbishment.”

Southern Co-op also run the store at the corner of Hannah More and Queen’s Road, Nailsea, which opened in 2011.

This is a different company from The Co-operative Society which began in 1844 in Rochdale and owned the Somerfield store in Nailsea which it sold to Waitrose.

The Southern Co-op has stories in Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire.

In March 2022 an outline application for the demolition of petrol station, retail unit and workshop on front part of site, and the erection seven dwellings was approved by North Somerset Council.

It included demolition of storage buildings on rear part of site and erection of two new buildings to accommodate new retail unit and new building ancillary to car workshop.

This application was supported by Backwell Parish Council and Backwell Residents Association and other villagers.

However, one objection posted on the council planning siter said: “The thought of being over looked in my own back garden by a three-storey house is shocking and to top it off there will be a lane right outside my garden so not only do I lose my privacy but also loose the safe feeling in my own home when you don't know who will be walking past late at night.

“You can hear people now at the station that are drunk coming home being loud and you have single /elderly vulnerable people who are going to be afraid to open their door by night. “Another said: “I guess it’s a case of if it’s not on my back door it's fine and the money from the houses makes it all fine.”