RESIDENTS say they “are not surprised” that Sainsbury’s is closing one of its Reading branches at the end of this month.

The Sainsbury’s Local on Shinfield Road will be closing its doors at the end of May and the premises will be handed back to its landlord.

A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s said: “We have made the difficult decision to close our Reading Shinfield Road Local store. We understand this will be an unsettling time for those affected and we are supporting them in every way we can, including exploring opportunities for colleagues to redeploy to alternative roles within Sainsbury’s.

Reading Chronicle readers claimed that they “are not surprised” that the store will be closing.

Dave Fostekew commented that he is “not surprised with the cost-of-living crisis”.

George Gkotsis agreed, saying that the property has “expensive rent”.

Another commented that they are not surprised as there is a Tesco supermarket opposite.

It is not clear yet what will replace the supermarket, but readers have shared their opinions.

David Talbot commented that it “should have stayed the Merry Maidens”, which Peter Nunn agreed with, saying “bring the pub back!”

READ MORE: Sainsbury's in Shinfield Road will be closing this month

The Sainsbury’s spokesperson added: “We regularly review our property estate and the decision to close a store is never taken lightly and is based on a range of factors. Customers can continue to shop with us in our nearby stores, including at our Reading and Broad Street Superstores and at Sainsbury’s Lower Earley Maiden Place Local.”