A SUPERMARKET is closing its doors for good after five years in Hockley, leaving residents disappointed.

The Sainsbury’s Local in Spa Road will shut up shop early next year, bosses have confirmed.

A spokesman for the firm said “the decision to close a store is never taken lightly” and is based on a range of factors, although we’re unable to disclose what those factors were.

The move follows an announcement from the company back in September 2019, where it was revealed Sainsbury’s would close 30-40 convenience stores.

Disappointed, Brian Parker, from Hockley, regularly pops into the store after visiting the Co-op Food nearby.

The 71-year-old, said: “I use it quite often. I tend to go to the Co-op first and then Sainsbury’s, they sometimes do things the Co-op don’t and vice versa.

“So it is a shame they’re shutting, it’s a very useful asset to the village.

“It provided a bit of variety. Most of the shops in Hockley are cafes, Indian and Chinese takeaways, a couple of newsagents and chemists. But that’s about it.

“It just gave a bit more choice and I’ve gone there ever since it opened.”

Hockley and Ashingdon Councillor Michael Carter, who also shops at the store, added: “It’s well used every time I go in there, so it’s sad to hear it’ll be closing.

“Before it used to be an Iceland or some sort of freezer shop, Sainsbury’s haven’t been there too long, so it is a shame.”

The store, which has been there for the last five years, is set to soon be put on the market by estate agents Ayers and Cruiks.

Darrell Clarke, associate director, said: “We haven’t actually been able to get in there yet, I think it will be early this week or maybe even later this week that we do.

“It’s a shame they are going. We’ve already had enquiries on it and it’s not even on the market yet.

“I think there will be a lot of interest, it’s a cracking location and a good opportunity.”

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Hockley Spa Local early next year.

“We understand this will be an unsettling time for those affected and we’re supporting them in any way we can. We hope to welcome customers to our other nearby stores, including our Rochford Local, as well as our Southend and Rayleigh Weir supermarkets.”