M&S is in discussion with 53 members of staff over proposals to close its Dorchester South Street branch.

But business leaders have spoken of their hope that talks can be held with the company to find more appropriate premises in the county town.

In a statement, the food and fashion chain said it is 'reshaping' its store estate "to meet the needs of today’s customer".

"Today we’re consulting with 53 colleagues on the proposed closure of our South Street store in Dorchester", a spokesman said.

"Over the coming weeks our priority will be supporting colleagues as we go through the consultation – every colleague will have the option to redeploy within M&S."

Aaron Spicer, M&S Head of Region for Wessex, said: “We’re transforming our store estate to meet the needs of today’s customers. Proposing to close our Dorchester store is a difficult but necessary part of reshaping our estate to have fewer, but more inspirational stores. Over the coming weeks our priority will be supporting our great team of colleagues at Dorchester as we discuss what’s best for them.

“If the proposal goes ahead, we will continue to serve customers from our website and other stores in the area, including Weymouth.”

Meanwhile, Phil Gordon, chairman of the BID, is hopeful M&S may still have a future in the town.

"I'm extremely disappointed with the news - it was not that long ago we were assured the Dorchester branch would stay open", he said. "However I don't believe it is necessarily the end of the road if the new Dorset Council and M&S are able to enter into discussions regarding possible new locations.

The problem is that although the branch is successful, it is not a big shop - in fact I believe it may be the UK's smallest - and to take the level of ranges required, it needs to expand. I'm certain M&S want to have a presence in Dorchester; the chain was part of discussions around the proposed Charles Street development.

"I would hope to see M&S relocate into larger temporary premises until a better outcome can be achieved."

Dorchester Town Mayor Cllr Richard Biggs said he was "saddened" by the news.

"M&S has been a feature of the town through out my life and I know many people will be very upset by it", he said.

"My thoughts go out to all the very hard working and friendly staff and hope they find future employment within M&S or elsewhere. High streets up and down the UK are struggling and the county town is not immune from changing shopping habits.”

Shoppers react to the news

Shirley Northcott said: "I wouldn't want it to close. I find them very very good. I would say it is a disaster for the town. We have lost so many businesses here in the town recently. People will not be coming here."

Christina Pacey said: "Well, obviously I knew some Marks and Spencers were going to be closing. I am a bit disappointed, because the closest one of them for me now is going to be Yeovil. I have always felt for years that they should make one big one instead of having them in Dorchester, Weymouth and Bournemouth."

Peter Tucker said: "It think it is rubbish. I can't believe it is not a profitable store. And now where else can you go? It is just going to put more people off. The council must understand this that more and more shops are being closed. It is not rocket science."

Hilary Fletcher said: "It is terrible. What have we got left? Poundbury has just taken over and everything is moving away from here. I do a lot of my shopping online because I can collect it here. We are losing all the good names."

Vanessa Gifford said: "They are driving more people out to bigger towns. I will have to go elsewhere. I make use of Marks and Spencer nearly on a daily basis."

James Walker said: "This is disappointing for everybody, both for the staff and residents. I come to shop here two to three times a week. It is a very good quality store for clothes and food. But you have to look at the online presence of everybody. The Amazons of the world are strangling businesses, both the locals and the big names."