The store and forecourt, situated just off Lees Road in the village, is a popular stop for people travelling between Oldham and Saddleworth.

A sign on the front entrance states that the petrol station will close soon, believed to be on October 1, with the food store - which also offers a grocery delivery service - set to follow suit in early November.

It is unclear whether any of the Co-op's other stores in Oldham (Grotton, Moorside, Royton, Uppermill, Delph and Chadderton) are under threat of closure.

A Spokesperson for Co-op confirmed: “The decision to sell any store is only taken after careful consideration, and is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment of colleagues.

"Our petrol filling station and store in Owl Mill Street, Lees, has been sold.

"Our priority is to fully support colleagues, who have been informed, and we would like to thank the community for its support of this store over the years.”