Their plan is to open a shop to replace The Ship Inn, Whitemans Green, a decision which has been criticised by local residents and Cuckfield Parish Council. A spokesperson for The Co-operative Food said: “Given that the developer has decided to convert the Ship to a convenience store, I can confirm that we - as a long established retailer in Cuckfield – have submitted proposals to open a new food store.” Co-op do not legally need to apply for planning permission for change of use from a pub to a convenience store. For the full story see this week’s Mid Sussex Times. What do you think about The Ship Inn becoming a Co-op? Send your views to middy.news@jpress.co.uk