A RETAIL giant is set to close one of its Hampshire stores, putting up to 60 jobs at risk.

Marks and Spencer in Fareham town centre has been earmarked for closure, putting fifty eight position at risk.

An announcement has been made to staff this morning as part of a national programme of closures which bosses say is part of M&S’s programme to modernise its UK store estate to better meet the changing needs of customers.

Sacha Berendji, director of retail at Marks & Spencer, said: "We’re committed to transforming M&S for our customers, colleagues and shareholders.

"Stores will always be an integral part of our customer experience, alongside M&S.com, but we have to ensure we have the right offer in the right locations.

"We don’t want any colleagues to leave M&S and we will work with each colleague individually on what is best for them as we endeavour to give everyone a role.

"However, we accept in some cases we may have to consider redundancy.

“We believe these changes are vital for the future of M&S and we will continue to accelerate the programme, taking tough but necessary decisions, as we focus on making M&S special.”

Gordon Scott, head of region for Home Counties South, added: “Proposing to close the Fareham store has been a difficult but necessary decision. Over the coming weeks we’ll be talking to each colleague individually about what is right for them and we’ll update customers and the community as soon as we can.”

More to follow