THREE former Co-op stores with filling stations in the district have been taken over by Asda Express, with the superstore giant assuring customers that prices will be cheaper. 

The outlets at Cross Hills, Ingleton and Settle have been re-opening over the past week with the last one adjacent to Whitefriars Car Park, in Church Street, Settle, opening today, Friday, November 3.

Asda acquired 132 sites from the Co-op last year in a £438m deal as part of its long-term strategy to become the UK’s second largest supermarket, by moving into the fast-growing convenience £40bn convenience market. 

The acquisition received regulatory approval from the Competition and Markets Authority in June after Asda agreed to divest 13 sites to satisfy competition requirements.

Andy Perry MD of Convenience at Asda said “We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months.”

A company spokesman added: "Customers can also be reassured that they’ll be making a saving when Asda comes to town as the base prices in Asda’s current Express stores are on average 8.9 per cent cheaper than the Co-op."