Business can be ruthless as the closure of two local shops in Aughton has proved since the new Co-op opened in the former Cockbeck pub.

It didn't take that long for Spar to shut up shop - one insider at the Town Green Lane store said there was chronic lack of investment after it was sold by Alfred Jones to the Hall/Murgatroyd group in Preston and rumours are it could re-open as a wine bar.

The premises is now up for sale: £385,000 buys the retail shop, and the property includes two flats.

The estate agent blurb states “For Sale – Ground floor retail accommodation with rear store, loading access and staff facilities. There are two x two bedroom self contained flats at the first floor. The property is part of a terrace of similar properties opposite Co-op Convenience and Granville Park, with Town Green Railway Station to the rear.

The residential tenancy of flat 69b Town Green Lane produces an income of £6,240 pa. Aughton is located to the south of Ormskirk, accessed by the A59 which runs from Liverpool to Preston, and close to the M58 and M6. The town has a population of approx 8,ooo people and is served by the Merseyrail network”.

Meanwhile, will anyone be brave enough to take over the corner shop on Long Lane and Parrs Lane which is now on the market?