A petrol station and c-store business that has been owned by the same family for more than 50 years has been sold to the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society for just under £2m by property advisers Christie & Co. Jones of Chelmsford was owned by brothers Chris and Peter Jones, who have now retired.

The acquisition represents the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society’s return to petrol retailing, building on its two Quadrant department stores in Chelmsford and Braintree, 36 convenience stores, off licence and ’Star Saver’ discount store all delivering an annual turnover approaching £80m.