Co-op The Bullring St John's: photos of empty shop

We have previously reported how the now empty former Co-op in The Bullring in St John's has become a magnet for crime and antisocial behaviour, according to one resident.

Cllr Richard Udall, leader member for crime and disorder at the Worcestershire County Council, has been offering support to the resident who raised the issue.

Cllr Udall has also expressed his concerns about the future of the site which he called 'an ugly scar on St John's'.

One photo, taken by the former entrance of the Co-op at Henwick Road, shows a sofa near the doorway and weeds sprouting tall through gaps in the surface.

MESS: Rubbish and graffiti in the former Co-op car park in St John's in Worcester (Image: Supplied)

One resident, who did not wish to be identified, said: "Since it's been closed it's become a magnet for antisocial behaviour, rough sleepers, drug taking, street drinkers, kids smashing up glass, fly tipping and all sorts of general things that make you feel unsafe, and then finally last night it was broken into."

He said police attended and were 'very professional' but that locks had now been cut on the back gate to the car park and security fencing had been moved to allow access.

MESS: The former Co-op site in St John's in Worcester (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Richard Udall said: “I am very concerned about the condition of the former co-op store. I feel it was closed prematurely, before the owners had approval for any alternative use, this has left the site derelict, scruffy, untidy and as a possible risk to health."

He has been in contact with Co-op in Manchester which is sending in a team to inspect the site.

"I believe they have a duty to clean up the mess, remove the graffiti, and to ensure the entire site is secure against unlawful entry.

"They need to take immediate action to improve the condition of the site, currently it's an ugly scar on the face of St John’s, we can’t afford to let this go the same way as the former nightclub site at ZigZags. 

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Police Sergeant Wayne Cashion of St John’s and Bedwardine Safer Neighbourhood Team said officers regularly patrol the area.

“We have received a report of criminal damage at this location in the past week, which was dealt with by patrol officers, but this is the first complaint we are aware of regarding drug taking and anti-social behaviour."

“Matters regarding fly-tipping should be reported to the city council while the issue of securing the perimeters is a matter for the landlord.

“We would be happy to work with the landlord of this disused site to address any outstanding issues.

People can report concerns to stjohnsbewardine.snt@westmercia.police.uk.”

We have approached the Co-op for a comment.