One of only two supermarkets in a town is to undergo a revamp costing more than £1m.

The Co-op store in Station Road, Wigton, is to be given a £1.2m makeover.

Improvements to the store started on Monday and will be completed by November 22.

The exterior of the store will be given a facelift; internally there will be a reconfiguration of the layout, giving the store the chance to offer a wider range of products.

A new check-out layout and self-service tills will also be part of the improvements.

The planning application for the store’s new signage was submitted to Allerdale Council on June 26, with the plans approved on July 20.

The store store will remain open to customers but will open an hour later and close two hours earlier for the duration of the works.

Mark Leesing, Co-op store manager, said: “We are delighted to be undertaking such a significant investment in Wigton and we’re confident that the improvements will help us to better serve the community. It’s an exciting time for the whole team.”

Wigton mayor, Elaine Lynch, welcomed the news.

She commented: “I think it is excellent for Wigton and that they are putting their money into Wigton.

“Obviously they can see that it is going to be beneficial for them. It is great that we are getting a good quality store.

“A lot of shops are closing, but obviously they have faith in Wigton and the economy in Wigton.”

Alan Campbell, Co-op regional manager, said: “We’re investing in our people, stores, products, prices and communities – our aim is for stores to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering great quality products, when and where our members and customers need them.

“We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community.

“Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they raise much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

The Co-op promises a range of promotions to mark its re-launch.