A store left seriously damaged when ram raiders smashed into it with a digger has unveiled the result of a £1 million makeover.

The Co-op in Cranbrook High Street was left with a gaping hole at its entrance when, in November 2019, thieves stole money from the cash machine.

Now store bosses have unveiled the results of extensive renovations which has restored a free-to-use ATM, introduced a bakery, a Costa coffee express, hot food counter and an Amazon parcel collection service.

There’s also a more spacious layout.

The store supports 70 jobs locally and it will also run completely on renewable energy.

Co-op store manager Laurence Hernandez said: “The store has a great new look – we have had a fantastic response.

“The improved layout is more spacious coupled with new, more energy efficient, lighting and refrigeration.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment and have worked to develop the range, choice, products and services locally.”

The Co-op has faced its fair share of issues.

The Cranbrook store managed to re-open a day after the ram raid, but police said no arrests had been made in relation to the attack.

That year, Co-op branches in Kent were attacked seven times.

In May 2020, staff again had to close the Cranbrook site when a group harassed employees and claimed they had coronavirus. It shut so a deep clean could be completed overnight.

Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council chairman Kim Fletcher said: “It is great to see the Co-op with its bright new look and spacious isles.

“It is great they managed to stay open to serve Cranbrook while they did their refurbishment, as well."

Young artist Rollo Jensen and Cranbrook Mayor Linda Page helped cut the ribbon.

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