United Co-op has completed its refurbishment of the 12 stores it acquired when it bought the Neighbours group in August 2004.

The launch of an extended store in Tarporley, near Chester, concluded a £1.6m makeover programme that began with the development of the Oswestry store in Shropshire.

Food group general manager Tim Hurrell said: “Acquiring the 12 Neighbours stores was an important move for us in 2004. We are pleased with the results the developments have produced and the positive comments from shoppers.”