PARTINGTON residents have received a major boost after the long awaited redevelopment work on the precinct has finally started, with a rebuilding timescale of 42 weeks, writes Tom Dyson.

AN agreement has also been reached to extend the lease on the precinct’s Co-op supermarket after concerns were raised that the village’s only store would close.

The Co-op was originally intended to cease trading in May to allow for the redevelopment work to finish, and the proposed Tesco store would not be ready until December.

But now, The Co-op Group and property firm Peel Holdings, have both agreed for an extension on the lease which will see the store remain open until the rebuilding work is complete.

A spokesman for Peel said: “We are pleased to report that the Co-op in Partington has taken advantage of an extended lease Peel offered to them in order to help facilitate a food shopping offer in Partington hopefully until December 2014.

“This is the period when the new shops are being built and then fitted out.”

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green and Positive Partington, the tenants and residents group, were among many to express their delight at the news.

Kate Green said: “It’s good news that an agreement has been reached so that the Co-op will be there for Partington residents until the opening of the new shopping precinct.

“Like local residents, I was extremely worried about plans for the store to close in May.

“I’m glad to have been able to work with Positive Partington, Trafford Council and Peel to help ensure local people won’t be left for months without a local shop.”

Paul Grainge, chairman of Positive Partington, said: “This is excellent news for the people of Partington.

“We hope that all Partington residents will continue to use the Co-op to show our support for their decision.”