A SUPERMARKET which closed at the beginning of the year has appeared on the market for sale.

The Co-op in Meppel Avenue, Canvey, has emerged on Rightmove.

The leasehold for the former Chelmsford Star Co-operative has been put up by estate agents, Christie and Co, for £125,000.

Business agent Adam Sellers, who is taking charge of the sale, revealed he is unable to say what will happen to the site.

He did confirm, however, he is not expecting it to be maintained as a Co-Op store of any kind in the future.

However there is a chance it could be taken on by another chain or shop with rumours of other convenience store chains being interested.

Mr Sellers said: “We are unable to say who or where from, but we are getting a lot of interest in the store and we planning on selling its leasehold, as a going concern.”

If this was to happen it would be welcome news for the community.

The Echo had previously reported that the closure of the Meppel Avenue store had come as a shock to residents.

Speaking at the time about the surprise closure many said they “heavily relied” on the shop throughout their week and would miss it terribly.

The closure of the store, and its anticipated sale, does not mean the Co-Op is leaving the island as there are others in the area and a new store is set to be opened on the site of the former King Canute pub on Canvey Way.

Star Co-operative denied the opening of the new branch on Canvey Way made a difference to plans for the Meppel Avenue store.

The new store will be opened on the ground floor of a major redevelopment of the historic pub; with two brand new three bedroom houses being built along with a veterinary practice also being built in the car park.

A further two flats will be built on the first floor of the King Canute.

The new store will be run as an East of England Co-operative shop as part of the planned complex.

The store is not expected to be open until May this year at the earliest but residents have been waiting for something to happen for four years already. since the pub closed in May 2014.

Permission was granted for the multi-purpose development almost two years ago after four previous attempts to get plans approved fell through.

Campaigners had originally expressed fears that development around the pub would ultimately see the iconic building, used as a safe haven for families fleeing the 1953 floods on the island, change beyond recognition.

But the facade was protected and now residents are looking forward to new facilities.