THE Co-operative store in the centre of Bordon will close down next month, due to 'poor trading performance'. The Chalet Hill convenience store will close on Wednesday, February 13, creating a loss of seven full-time and six part-time jobs. The shock announcement is a disappointment for local businesses, as it was hoped that the regeneration of the high street would attract more retailers to the area. A spokesman for the Co-operative group said that every effort will be made to relocate staff to other Co-op stores in the area. However, specific details of relocation could not be given. She said: "The process to relocate staff has begun but there is no strict time scale – how long is a piece of string? We may offer current staff positions that are too far away, or unsuitable – it's a long process. "The closure decision was taken with the greatest reluctance and much regret, and due to the store's poor trading performance the lease would not be renewed," she added. The Co-operative group emphasised that it is committed to community retailing in the region and last year invested several million pounds in building new stores as well as refitting and converting local stores to offer modern shopping facilities and comprehensive ranges. Co-op regular, Mrs Bonnor, 83, from Chalet Hill, explained that the store is a much need facility in the town "I enjoy doing my shopping here, because it's convenient and has everything I need. "It's really very handy and will be sadly missed by me and the other old people around here. I'm really surprised that it's closing because it seems to do a good trade. It's very sad". The closure of the shop will come as a blow to local senior citizens, as they will need to travel further to do essential shopping. Mrs Bonnor said: "I don't like going to the big stores. I'm 83 – I can't be bothered. Now my daughter will have to do my shopping for me. It's a loss of independence really. "The prices here are reasonable and the staff are very good too. I come in for a natter really," she added. The news has come as a shock to many residents and users of the shop. Gene Bunn from Tilbury's Close said; "There aren't many shops in Bordon, so it seems a shame to close this one. "During peak times it is very busy, and there's always a steady stream of people in and out. I don't know how it's doing a poor trade." The Co-operative group denied claims that poor trading standards were a result of competition in Bordon, but were reluctant to give further details "The closure is not specifically linked to the opening of Tesco's. There's not much more to be said, other than the store showed poor trade performance". County councillor for Whitehill and Bordon Adam Carew said: "This is dreadful news. The Co-op is a real asset to our local community and is well used by businesses and residents alike. I have written urgently to their headquarters in Manchester requesting an urgent meeting with regional heads and local councillors to see if we cannot find a way forward other than closure. "It always seems busy so I am shocked to hear it is not making enough profit. We have precious few shops compared to neighbouring towns and we are soon to expand to become the largest town in East Hampshire – I understand commercial realities but given this any decision to close the Co-op would seem wholly premature.  "It would send entirely the wrong message to our local community at a time when we are about to undergo major regeneration. I am not sure if there is anything we can do as local councillors but we must try. "Large sections of the MOD are likely to pull out under the defence training review by 2011-2013 and the town is set to double in size."