A LONG-STANDING town store is set to close in what has been described as a “sad” loss for residents.

Clintons, in Halstead High Street, has been a part of the town for more than a decade.

However, the Halstead branch is now set to close its doors, after signs appeared in the window revealing the news.

Town mayor Jackie Pell said she was sad to see the news the shop is closing down.

She said: “I am sorry and saddened to see Clinton’s is closing meaning an empty shop and the loyal staff being out of a job.

“The shop has been there a very long time and has lasted longer than the Braintree one.

“I hope somebody comes along and fills the empty shop when it closes, and the staff find other jobs.”

Clintons has gone into administration twice in the last 15 years, in 2012 and 2019.

Both times it was bought by companies owned by the Weiss family.

However, in August this year, it was reported Clintons was once again facing financial difficulties.

The chain was considering plans to shut 38 of its 179 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency, according to reports.

It was understood the high street retailer appointed restructuring experts from FRP Advisory as it seeks to secure its future.

The business was looking at a move which could see the firm swap its debt for equity and shut about a fifth of its estate of 179 shops, according to the Times.

The newspaper reported the business had considered a merger deal with rival Paperchase earlier this year.

However, Paperchase saw its brand and intellectual property bought by Tesco in January after it entered administration, and its stores later closed for good.

Clintons is among big-name retailers to have been affected by depressed high street footfall and competition from online rivals.

It is understood the closure of Clintons in Halstead will be on January 22.

Clintons was contacted for comment.