Staff and customers were shocked at the news that Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which has been a feature of the shopping centre of Ross-on-Wye for over 40 years, is to close.

The store, which is at the corner of Gloucester Road and High Street, is the latest of a series of businesses to close in the town. The Globetrotter Coffee Shop closed recently and Mervyn James, another longstanding business in the town, is closing following the death of the owner.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill will be closing for the final time on Christmas Eve. There is concern that the loss of such a large and well-established business will have a knock on effect on other businesses.

The Ross Gazette has contacted Edinburgh Woollen Mill for a statement.