PROPOSALS to extend the opening hours of a new Co-Op in Romsley have been met with anger by furious villagers. 

The supermarket giant has invested £500,000 into the St Kenelm's Road store - which opened on Saturday - and want to extend its opening hours to 11pm.

But residents are furious with the opening of the new 'superstore' and proposed extension.

Kenelm Court resident Karen Goodwin, 55, said: "They have turned a village stores into a superstore, there are trollies there now which will end up all over the village.

"There is no need for a village shop to be open until 11pm which will mean delivery trucks in the village around the clock.

"Shoppers come and park in Kenelm Court and cause disruption to the pensioners who live there, it is only going to get worse."

Bromsgrove District Council is holding a licensing meeting on December 2 to decide whether to allow the 11pm extension.

The new store will include an in-store bakery and have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials.

It will also bring a funding boost to local community groups through the Co-op's new Membership scheme and will appoint a community pioneer, Joanne Green, who is a member of the food store team working to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising to working with charities, schools and voluntary organisations to contribute to local life.

It has also made a £500 donation to the Parish Council as part of launch day celebrations to support the next Romstock Festival.

Jan Bourne, store manager, said: "We are delighted to have made such a significant investment in Romsley, to be opening the Co-op's newest food store is an exciting time for the whole team.

"Our aim is to establish the store as a local hub and we are looking forward to serving the community.

"The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. We are also giving back to the community.

"Our members have an opportunity to make a difference locally simply by using their membership card when they shop with us and raise much-needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life."