Station shop could close

The convenience store at Cooden Beach Station is set to shut in August unless a new tenant can be found.

Rail operator Southern says it lacks the retail expertise to make the shop profitable.

Southern has proposed to withdraw its support in summer 2008 and close the store unless an alternative can be found.

If the shop closes it would leave only a kiosk for selling tickets at the station.

T

he store was introduced by the previous franchise holders, Connex in 1997. On taking over the franchise, Southern continued to run the shop because it was seen as an important service to passengers and local residents.

A spokesman for Southern said: "Over the years, it has become clear to Southern that it is not best placed to run a store such as this to its maximum potential, and has found that the business is not able to support itself due to Southern's lack of specialist retail expertise. Although Southern recognises that the shop is still important to local residents, the shop, under Southern's management cannot be sustained.

"With this in mind, a decision has been made to put the lease for the retail space out to tender in the New Year. Southern will continue to run the shop as a going concern until either a new tenant is appointed, or until August 2008 when the shop will close.

"Since the decision was made to close the shop, some interest in taking over the space has been received and these enquiries are being followed up by our property agency. Anyone who may be interested in taking over the retail space should contact Per Andersson at Doherty Baines on 020 7355 3033."