In a blow to local retail, M&Co the clothing chain in the centre of Frome has announced that it is closing.

Media reports yesterday said that the family that owns the M&Co are closing up to 50 stores nationwide as part of a deal to save it from collapse.

The company employs nearly 3,000 over the UK.

The news that the store in the Westway centre in the town is closing is a blow, and leaves Frome without a major clothing retailer .The planned expansion of Peacocks into the shop opposite M&Co in the centre has not materialised - it was planned before the coronavirus pandemic.

Customers of M&Co have been told they can visit the branch in Midsomer Norton.

According to the Retail Gazette: M&Co currently operates from 262 stores in the UK, most of which have reopened since lockdown restrictions were eased on June 15. It was founded in 1961, and is owned by the McGeoch family.