A VILLAGE store could be set to return home after it was ravaged by a fire two years ago, creating new jobs.

The Co-op has exchanged contracts on a site in Watts Dyke, Llay, which could see the community retailer return to the area following a fire which closed its Shone’s Lane store almost two years ago.

In the aftermath of the fire, the Co-op was inundated with requests for details on when it would return to the village. It has now been confirmed that subject to planning consent and approvals, the Co-op will invest approaching £750,000 in the development of a new store which would occupy part of The Royal British Legion Club site in Llay.

The purpose designed store would be approximately 2,500 sq ft in size and offer customer car parking, alongside its food, a bakery and essentials.

It will also deliver a funding boost through the Co-op’s Membership scheme - Members receive a five per cent reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the community retailer donating a further one per cent to local causes.

A new store would also create between 15 to 20 new jobs.

John Hillman, Co-op Acquisition Manager, Wales, said: “We are delighted that an opportunity has come along for the Co-op to return to Llay.

"Our ambition is for our stores to be at the heart of local life, and this new store - subject to approvals – would create new jobs, further support our local suppliers and producers and, enable the Co-op to better serve the local community.”

In the early hours of Friday, December 30, 2016 two fire crews from Wrexham were called to the Co-Op in Shone’s Lane in Llay to tackle a fire, which was successfully put out by 3.30am.

Following an investigation, in January 17, 2017, a spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the most probable cause of the incident was ‘deliberate ignition by persons’.