EMPLOYEES of a Bournemouth chocolate shop could lose their jobs as the branch closes later this month.

The Thorntons Cafe at Castlepoint will shut on January 27. In total, 15 jobs could be lost.

A spokesperson from parent company Ferrero said: “Like any retailer, we are continuously reviewing our store estate to ensure we are in the locations that meet our customer needs.

“As a result of such a review, the decision was taken to close our store at Castlepoint in Bournemouth on January 27. Currently, 15 staff members are employed at the store and we will try where possible to redeploy them to nearby stores.

“Thorntons has been delighted to serve our many local customers over the years and we would encourage them to shop for their favourite Thorntons products at our Poole branch, or online at thorntons.co.uk in the future.”

The branch is one of 19 nationwide to offer a cafe.

A bakery in Bournemouth town centre has also suddenly closed after being open for just a few months.

Baked 2 Take in Old Christchurch Road opened its doors towards the end of last year after taking over the unit formerly occupied by gift shop All In One.

Mystery surrounds the closure of the self-service bakery and coffee shop, which covered up its windows and doors at the beginning of the year and has remained shut ever since. The store, which is located at the entrance to the Dalkeith Shopping Arcade, is adjacent to the Cornish Bakehouse. and is also close by to Greggs.

Baked 2 Take is not the only store to close in the busy pedestrianised area of Old Christchurch Road recently.

Shoe shop Vans has also shut its doors. A note to customers posted on the entrance reads: “Thank you to all of our lovely and loyal customers. It’s been a fun five years, but unfortunately this store is now closed. Very best wishes for 2018!”

Meanwhile, the unit formerly occupied by Boots in Old Christchurch Road is still lying empty after closing last year.