THE shutters will be coming down on Boscombe’s Argos store this month after 38 years.

The store in Christchurch Road will be closing on January 20 after the company decided not to renew its lease on the premises.

Argos wouldn’t say how many jobs are affected by the closure but a spokesman said: “Argos is exploring alternative working opportunities for the affected employees at this store wherever possible.”

Customers say they are disappointed the catalogue store is leaving Boscombe.

Cllr Chris Wakefield said: “It is disappointing that Argos will no longer be trading from that site but there are other sites available in Boscombe if they wanted to relocate elsewhere.”

He said the building is set to undergo considerable refurbishment to help rejuvenate The Crescent area as part of the ongoing Backing Boscombe campaign.

In a statement to the Daily Echo, Argos said: “Argos will not be renewing the lease on its store in Christchurch Road, Boscombe which will close on January 20.

“Customers still have access to two refurbished stores within two miles of the Christchurch Road branch.

“These are at Bournemouth Castlepoint, which has free parking, and Bournemouth Post Office Road.

“At both stores customers have access to a new jewellery and watch gallery, technology products on display and touch screen browsing.”

A company spokesman added that Argos customers have access to more than 30,000 products online and the firm will continue to open new stores and refurbish others across the UK.

What Argos customers had to say

Judy Pashley, 73, from Littledown, said: “I didn’t know that the Boscombe store was closing. It will be a shame. If they keep closing these high street shops, there won’t be anything left.”

Tracey Neeson, 41, a mum from Pokesdown, said: “I am not happy about it because that means there is not a toy shop in Boscombe whatsoever. I use Argos for everything – toys, bedding, jewellery.”

Edward Winship, 32, of Bournemouth, said: “I think it’s a stupid idea. It’s my nearest one otherwise I will have to go to Castlepoint or Bournemouth.

“I use the store for Christmas and birthdays because it’s so convenient.”

Tracey Barnes, 30, of Southbourne, said: “I think it’s awful. I shop here four or five times a year, sometimes more.

“There is nowhere else locally that sells what they do and I hate going to Castlepoint and Christchurch. This store is only a short walk for me.”

• THE building which houses Boscombe’s Argos store is set to undergo a makeover.

Proposals are being drawn up to transform it into a retail unit on the ground floor with four one-bed flats and 34 two-bed flats above. The two-bed flats will accommodate three and four people to attract families.

These will replace existing approved plans to create 17 one-bed flats and 32 two-bed flats. Owners, Clark and Brassington, say the final plans will be submitted soon.

Roger Clark said: “We have always had plans to enhance the site but there is no choice other than to completely rebuild the building in order to get the quality finish we are looking for. We are speaking to several new tenants who will be just as good, if not better than Argos.”