SHOPPERS in Dorchester have been offered reassurance that the town centre New Look branch will continue trading, after it was revealed that Weymouth's branch is to close next month.

The revelation that the Weymouth New Bond Street store is to close sent shockwaves through the community. New Look is not leaving through choice - it is being ousted from the premises as the landlord is to end the lease early.

Meanwhile it was revealed that New Look in Bournemouth town centre is also being ejected from its premises after 21 years.

READ MORE: New Look announces closure of Weymouth town centre branch

Dorset Echo: Dorchester mayor Gareth JonesDorchester mayor Gareth Jones

New Look’s landlords across the country were given more scope to end its leases when the Weymouth-based chain sought a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to reduce its debts in 2020.

The CVA, which cut New Look’s debts from around £550million to £100m, included “enhanced landlord breaks”, allowing landlords to end leases “if they believe they can identify an alternative tenant on improved terms”.

It raised the question of whether Dorchester's branch would suffer a similar fate. But New Look has confirmed that the Dorchester South Street branch will remain open.

Whilst welcoming the news, Dorchester mayor Gareth Jones expressed sympathy for Weymouth after Dorchester lost its Marks & Spencer branch recently.

Cllr Jones said: "I'm very disappointed over the news about Weymouth - its a much larger settlement than Dorchester and surely deserves a decent store catering for that market.

"I do feel for residents - we lost our Marks & Spencer in Dorchester. Once you lose a major store it does dent the vitality of the town."

On a brighter note, he added: "We're delighted New Look is to remain in Dorchester - we just have to hope it stays. I encourage everyone to get back into the streets of Dorchester and enjoy the shopping experience. We've got a vibrant town, there are lots of eateries, museums and things to do. Make your visit to Dorchester not just for shopping but for relaxing, eating and visiting."

Dorset Council shared similar sentiments.

“It’s good to hear that the New Look branch in Dorchester will remain open for the foreseeable future," a spokesperson for the authority said - adding that their thoughts are with the Weymouth staff and their families who may be affected by the closure.

"New Look has a long and intertwined history with Weymouth which makes this news even more disappointing," the spokesperson added. "To see New Look go from Weymouth’s high street is unfortunately a sign of the times as changing shopping habits are reshaping our high streets and town centres and Weymouth is no exception.”