MARKS and Spencer’s well-established Bournemouth town centre store has announced it will be closing as part of national strategy changes.

Yesterday it was revealed the large food, clothes and homeware store in Commercial Road is to close in April, along with five over stores across the United Kingdom.

Members of the public spoke of their shock and disappointment at the impending closure of the large retailer.

A spokesperson for M&S said the closure is part of a programme to modernise the companies UK store estate to better meet the changing needs of customers.

Central Bournemouth ward councillor Mike Greene said: “We have got to be very disappointed for the staff and everyone who has enjoyed shopping there for so many years.

“It is going against the grain in the town centre. The BID have been saying the footfall is rising quite sharply in the town centre and we have had the likes of River Island and Primark coming to the area recently. We have also got restaurants like Côte and Cosy Club, which have opened and are doing very well.

“The only complaints I had over Christmas from residents was that the town centre was too crowded.

“This is part of Marks and Spencer’s national strategy and this particular store isn’t seen as ideal shop, plot or location, but it still seems a little bit bizarre as Bournemouth town centre is more vibrant than we have seen in many decades.”

“There is a huge amount to offer in that area and some top names have opened in Commercial Road and I would have thought it would be an ideal location to take. For someone it will work and work very well.”

Nearby stores at Westbourne Simply Food, M&S Castlepoint, and the new Foodhall in Broadstone, which is set to open on Wednesday were highlighted in a statement from the company.

However, there is no reference to the Poole store in the Dolphin Centre, casting doubt over its future with M&S earmarking eight further stores for closures.

The store in Commercial Road will close on April 14. All 135 colleagues who work at the store will be moving to nearby stores.

Cllr Philip Broadhead, Bournemouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Whilst we understand the news is disappointing for some, this announcement appears to be less about Bournemouth where town centre footfall is actually rising year on year, and more to do with M&S as a brand and its change in direction for the company.

“Bournemouth’s population has risen ten per cent since 2010 fuelling economic growth and attracting new contemporary businesses. Figures also show visitors to the town have hugely increased. Changes to our retail areas bring opportunities. The decision last year by Next to close its store paved the way for exciting new brand Deichmann to come in which is proving extremely popular.

“We are confident that a strong future remains for Bournemouth’s retail heartland and will work with the commercial sector to ensure high quality brands continue to be associated with the town centre.”

Residents were saddened to discover the M&S’s time in the town centre was coming to an end.

Julia Blatch, who has been coming to the store for around 35 years, said: “If they close this store there will be no reason for me to come to Bournemouth. This store is people friendly.”

Shopper Ralph Marshall said the closure came as a real shock.

“If M&S closes there is a lot less reason for people to come up this was. It is probably the biggest name along this stretch of road and it doesn’t bode well for Bournemouth town centre,” he said.

“It will be a big loss and it will be the town that suffers. It’s bad enough walking down Westover Road nowadays.”

Paul McLean from Branksome said the plot could be used to serve the community.

“I know they have been going for a long time in it is a shame, but it is the same all over the country. They could perhaps set it up for the homeless and create a community kitchen.”

Sue Overall, who lives near the Castlepoint branch, said: “Last time I went in there I didn’t think there was much to buy, but it is quite a surprise to hear it is closing.

“It is right in the middle of the town centre and there are a lot of restaurants and clothes shops.”

Despite some shoppers speaking of their disappointment at the closure of M&S, Commercial Road, the Triangle and surrounding areas still have a thriving hub of traders.

From Smokin’ Aces and Flirt Cafe, to Espresso Kitchen and Ojo Rojo, independent businesses are continuing to build.

Ojo Rojo co-owner Trevor Hill said it was an exciting time for traders.

“It’s a shame people often don’t get to the top of the hill,” he said.

“I think some don’t realise how much is here, when actually there is a lot of thriving creative independent businesses.

“We chose the Triangle because we saw the potential it had and felt we would be at home here.

“Bournemouth has a couple of little hubs with the Triangle, the Square, Horseshoe Common and the Lansdowne.

“We’re proud to be in the Triangle and we still believe it is the right place for us.”

Mr Hill said the traders all get along and meet to share ideas for the area.