A RETAILER’S decision to axe its store in Royston has been met with dismay after it pulled the plug with what residents claim was a week’s notice.

Sainsbury’s, on Midland Road, closed its doors last week, bringing an end to its ten-year stay in the village.

A spokesman from the retail giant said they had reviewed their estate of smaller Sainsbury’s Local shops and the Royston branch was culled as a result.

Staff at the store have been offered positions elsewhere.

Coun Caroline Makinson said: “The conversations we had with Sainsbury’s were that it was closing the store and shoppers could easily get to the Sainsbury’s in Shafton.

“That’s all well and good if you have a car, but many of the Royston store’s shoppers do not as they are elderly and the Royston store was in walking distance of their home.

“Unfortunately there’s no direct bus route into Shafton - they would have to go to Barnsley town centre and then get a bus there - so it’s not as easy as that.

“It’s a shame we have lost Sainsbury’s from Royston but we are lucky we’re well-served with other retailers including Asda, the Co-op, Fultons Foods and Aldi, who are building a new store in the village.”

However, 72-year-old Joy Roberts, of Milgate Street, said the store’s closure came as a shock to residents who relied on the shop for their top-up groceries.

“The first I heard about it closing was from a staff member - a week later its shutters were up,” she told the Chronicle. “Clearly they don’t know the area because it was well-used by every elderly person around this end of the village.

“It was handy as it was within walking distance. I struggle with my mobility, as do a lot of my friends, and the other end of Midland Road where Asda is is just too far.

“A lot of people are disappointed by it and it’s left us in a bit of a pickle.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesman added: “The decision to close a store is never taken lightly. We constantly review our estate to ensure that we have the right stores in the right locations for our customers.”