SHOPPERS were welcomed back to Carnforth’s Co-op grocery store on Tuesday this week, 12 days after burglars drove a stolen JCB into the shopfront and made off with a cash machine.

Carnforth mayor Cllr Pat Wooff told the Gazette she was “absolutely astounded” and shocked by the theft in the early hours of April 5. No one was hurt and the store was closed for damage to be assessed.

A Co-op spokesperson said the shop was now open again, but with no hot food or Costa Coffee due to the location of the affected wall; and a date is awaited for completion of repairs.