Westfield Co-op re-opened its doors last Friday, after an electrical fire caused extensive smoke damage to the store, forcing its closure for around twelve weeks whilst it was gutted and completely refitted, costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Everything in the store is brand new. Radstock Co-operative Society’s Chief Executive, Don Morris, explains: “Whilst we were devastated about the fire and the damage that it caused, in business you have to use the opportunity to grow.”

Store Manager, Diane Roberts, adds: “We have increased the chilled food on offer, using more local suppliers than ever before and doubled our range, now that we have a better layout. The store is lighter and brighter, our beer and wine is now chilled, and we’ve also increased our ‘food to go’ range.

“I’ve been coming to this store for around 45 years – we think it was possibly the first to open after the Radstock superstore; around 1954. Radstock Co-operative Society couldn’t not re-open it – I’ve been scared to go out of my front door for people asking when it was opening again!”

The store was officially opened by children from Fosse Way School, who were presented with goodie bags and a cheque from the Society for £250, which will be used for a sensory garden, which parents have been working hard on over the summer. There are plans for a raised bed, blackboard spaces, and a mud kitchen – to help with speech, language and communication skills. Parents and teachers are also hoping to refurbish the school’s sensory room and develop an all-purpose running track outside on the school grounds; and have begun fundraising for these projects.

If you have any DIY skills that you can offer voluntarily, or are able to donate materials, such as sand, to the school and its new garden, please do get in touch by emailing: [email protected]