THE Co-operative Group has announced it is to close its Pioneer store at Charlton Green, Dover, on Christmas Eve with the loss of some 90 jobs.

Staff will continue to be employed until January 7, and the company says it hopes to re-deploy some staff in other stores in the area. The announcement was made late on Tuesday.

It is the second major jobs blow to Dover in the run-up to Christmas with more than 800 seafarers in the area already facing redundancy.

The Co-op closure will mean the loss of 12 full-time and 78 part-time jobs. The Co-op says staff who can not be offered jobs elsewhere with the company will be given assistance in obtaining alternative employment.

A Co-operative Group spokeswoman said the closure decision was taken with the greatest reluctance and much regret and was due to the store's poor trading performance.

The move is in line with the Co-operative Group's retail strategy to concentrate on developing in the small supermarket and convenience sectors where it is strongest.

"The Co-op is the leading community retailer in the UK. Community retailing is what we do best. It is now our focus and we will continue to provide a service for Dover's Co-op shoppers at our two convenience stores in the town," added the spokeswoman.

She emphasised that the Co-op is committed to community retailing in the region and has invested £10 million this year in opening new stores and refitting and upgrading local stores to offer modern shopping facilities and a wider choice of products.

The Co-op is already negotiating to sell the property.