POLICE have played down concerns that a High Street shop, which had been forced to close by the authorities, had reopened earlier than expected.

It was back on June 9 when police and Trading Standards officers visited the Danya Store to serve the relevant paperwork for the intended closure of the premises after evidence had been gathered of vapes being regularly sold to underage children.

An application to Taunton Magistrates Court for a full closure of the premises – which would prohibit anyone from entering for three months – was granted on June 11.

That notice comes to an end this week and Sgt Jon O’Connor, speaking to members of Wellington Town Council on Monday (September 7), said he was “very confident” that the previous issues had been resolved.

“There were reported concerns about Danya Store on High Street having prematurely re-opened contrary to the closure order when the front shutters were seen to be up,” he said.

“But we confirmed that this was in fact us briefly showing a prospective new tenant around the premises before closing it again.

“Since then, negotiations have taken place and we are satisfied that there will not be a requirement for the police to apply for an extension to the closure order when it expires at midnight on Friday, September 11.

“The external signage and window stickers have already been removed by the landlord and there will likely be further updates to follow about the shop’s future once the closure order is fully lifted.”

Sgt O’Connor said he was unaware of the current state of possible legal proceedings being taken against the previous occupants of the store and had previously told councillors that the investigation was being run by the HMRC.