A POPULAR convenience store is set to close down having spent decades in Witham town centre.

The Martin’s shop, in Newland Street, will shut for good on Friday, August 14.

The store, which is owned by McColls, is one of a number being closed down by bosses.

Manager James Dowsett, who has been running the shop in Witham for the past three years, said: “It’s sad for us to be losing our jobs but we also know it will be sad for the town to be losing a shop that has been here so long.

“It also means another empty building in the town centre.

“We’ve had some lovely comments from customers and people have said they will really miss us because we are one of the few shops they enjoy coming into.

“We’re always friendly and like to chat to our customers.

“Some of them have said they will come down on the final day to say goodbye which is really nice.”

McColls has two other shops in Witham, including another in Newland Street.

A spokesman for the retailer said: "Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the lease at the Martin’s store on Newland Street in Witham. The store’s last day of trading will be Friday, August 14.

“We are saddened to no longer be operating the store and our priority has been to support all affected colleagues.”