M&S store closure plan 'devastates' shoppers

The branch at Maidens Walk is earmarked for closure

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced plans to close its store in Hexham's Maidens Walk.

Regional manager Philip Barker-Thomson said staff would be offered alternative roles where possible, if the proposals went ahead.

The retailer said the move was prompted by "changing" shopping habits and added it had invested £13m in its North East stores over the past year.

But local residents told the BBC they were "devastated" and worried for the future of other shops in the town.

Rivca Fletcher said the potential closure was "another nail in the coffin"

Rivca Fletcher, from Haydon Bridge, said: "It's a shame for Hexham. It's just another nail in the coffin.

"Hopefully big independent stores will be able to keep Hexham going. "

John Banks, from Rowlands Gill, said it was "disgraceful", adding the store shouldn't be closing at all".

John Banks said he was worried about the future of other shops

"It's one of the main shops, so when that goes, what will go next? This is the problem," Mr Banks said.

Dorothy Neal, from Hexham, added: "I'm devastated, it's my favourite shop. And Hexham's just dying."

Dorothy Neal said she was "devastated" her favourite shop could close

M&S had previously announced plans to axe 110 stores as part of a major overhaul.

Its Sunderland city centre store also faces closure, with the Middlesbrough shop closing in 2023 after 122 years of trade.