The centre of Manningtree has received a facelift thanks to support from the East of England Co-operative Society’s Community Dividend Fund.

The donation funded two brand new benches and new litter bin which have been installed in front of the town sign, next to the Market Square on the corner of Brook Street and the High Street. 

Manningtree was recently named the Best Kept Village of the year in its class by the Rural Community Council of Essex.

Lee Lay-Flurrie, former Mayor of Manningtree Town Council, unveiled the benches and litter bin and said: “The Co-op is part of our community and we are delighted with their help, and the new seating area contributed greatly to us winning the competition.  This is a welcome place of rest for weary shoppers – and it is being well used!”

The benches are just a short walk from the Society’s Co-op Supermarket in Manningtree, which underwent a £1.3million refurbishment in 2008, and the travel branch in Station Road.

Jackie Bowis, Membership Manager for the East of England Co-operative Society, which has had a presence in Manningtree for over 100 years, said: “As a Co-operative Society that is owned by its local Members, and has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities where it trades, we are delighted to support Manningtree town centre.”

“The Community Dividend Fund is supported by Members who kindly divert their Dividend to the Society’s ‘660’ fund, which benefits hundreds of local charities, groups and organisations every year.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Lee Lay-Flurrie celebrates the new benches with East of England Co-operative Society President Gillian Bober (right) and Manningtree Co-op Supermarket Store Manager Paul Bates (centre).

Note to Editors:
The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia and has over 200 trading outlets which are located in more than 70 towns and villages including the three regional centres of Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester.  
The Society’s diverse business activities include: supermarkets and food stores, travel, pharmacy, optical and funeral branches, petrol forecourts, training academy and events and conference centre. 

For further information:
Laura Bennett, Public Relations Officer, East of England Co-operative Society,
Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ    
E-mail: l.bennett@eastofengland.coop