Lincolnshire Co-op Willows Food Store - Grimsby

Alex

Mixed bag of staff; I have to educate them regularly on disability discrimination laws regarding my assistance-trained working dogs (very much like many co-ops across the company). [I have also had many phone calls with head office customer service explaining this issue.] On my last visit, a fairly new member of staff said, "You're not allowed a dog in here." I said, "He's an assistance dog, so it doesn't apply in my case," and he replied, "Okay, you're banned then?" I didn't appreciate the confrontational approach. He should have calmly asked me questions. I'd like to see him try—I'm willing to prove my dog in court. Can he prove his actions are justified?

He then threatened me about being on CCTV. If that's the case, surely the bike propped up against baskets at the door, which could harm someone, should be reviewed. I reported this at the same time as my issues 1st arose 6month ago, but I still see it every day... What's next? Banning people with walking sticks and wheelchairs? I might have to start wearing my own camera like you guys for legal purposes if these kinds of actions continue. This doesn't feel very 'cooperative.'

They think it's a choice. Who would choose a life like this? can have my health issues if want, and all the bills that come with them—my accessibility costs and private prescription fees are insane... Aside from this fairly new staff member and previous issues with other staff, the woman behind the till was brilliant in this case (ive also had staff with no issues before, some do?). They asked me questions, and my dog behaved as well as possible given the unnecessary stress he was expected to mitigate for his handler.

I explained that I don't even need virtue-signalling outfits for him, but I have them. Maybe he'll wear them in the future, but it took me half an hour to get everything sorted and to get my legal paperwork (which I usually carry when I'm out/perfectly legal not to carry anything as it shouldn't hinder me, I was rushing this morning). There's a leaflet I have, one part of which says to call 101 if met with these kinds of actions from staff

They asked if I had issues elsewhere, and honestly, I don't. When the response to "Dogs aren't allowed" comes up, I say, "He's an assistance dog," and I've never had issues, regardless of what he's wearing (the law?). Maybe he has some allergy or general hatred towards working dogs or something. Even so, I'm still allowed. It's worth noting that my Kelpie puppy, who is still in training, was outside. Even so, if he's behaved, I could bring him in as well. Just google the Equality Act; it's all explained 🐾

Amanda J. B. ?. S.

The CO-OP food Store is based on the Willows Estate, Wingate Parade.
The shop has a Security Guard in place most of the time.
There is just one small thing.....the FOOD PRICES have INCREASED quite a lot recently.
Some of the Staff are Extremely helpful and friendly.
Sometimes the food that you require is there, but the following week, it will NO longer available.

Thomas H.

I was asking do a list item from yesterday and they used foul language

Susan R.

Good size small store, suitable for anything forgotten, suitable for disabled, suitable to use post office within store, at same time as shopping

lime T.

It's good when you're getting a small snack like a dog kebab but I wouldn't buy the fried duck from there (it tastes like rubber)

Adam B.

Pretty nice and local store.It is quite nice and I like the store A lot

Sonia K. (.

Varied range and fresh dates. Tills can be slow but it because they aren't trying. Very helpful

Mark H.

Very friendly and helpful staff clean fresh bread and sausage rolls fantastic