The Pathmark store in Walnutport is definitely closing, though exactly when has not been determined.

Grocery store chain A&P, which also operates Pathmark and Super Fresh stores in our area, on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and plans to close or sell off stores due to heightened competition.As part of that decision, 25 stores will close, one of which is the store at 300 S. Best Ave. in Walnutport."As the website indicates, the closing stores including the one in Walnutport will be closing within the next few months," said Dana Regan, human resources director of communication and training for The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc."Because the process has just been initiated, there is no other specific information at this time."Area residents will now have to travel an extra 15 to 20 minutes to the closest store and employees of the store will have to find new jobs in the next few months.Alice Wanamaker of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development is most concerned for the employees."We at the Chamber are devastated. So many employees will be losing jobs." she said.Wanamaker is also a Slatington resident."We looks forward to a new grocery store coming in. They serve and important role in out community." she said.Slatington Mayor Walter Niedermeyer said, "I know some of the gals that work there. Someone else needs to come in right away.""Its going to be tough for people who can't drive or have no transportation," Washington Township resident Al Bardelli said.Bardelli often stops at Pathmark because of its convenience.Bardelli has many friendly acquaintances who also frequent the store or work at Pathmark."Its not a high income area, its going to be tough," he said."It's terrible. The location is so convenient. Now I'll have to travel to Weis," Slatington Resident Bill Garcia said.Pathmark prices have played a big part in lowering the store's patronage over the years.Residents leaving the store Tuesday afternoon cited the high prices at Pathmark as the reason for lack of shoppers.One resident said she would like to see a ShopRite take over because their prices are more reasonable.The building had previously housed a Super Fresh supermarket, and before that, a Kmart.