WEYMOUTH's branch of New Look is to shut its doors for the last time today following more than half a century in the town centre, after it was revealed the fashion chain was being ousted by its landlord.

The retailer on New Bond Street will be open to shoppers for the last time today after it announced only weeks ago that it was being ejected from its premises by the landlord.

Part of the fabric of the town, New Look opened its first store in St Mary Street 51 years ago, before moving to its current premises. The chain also has headquarters at Mercery Road and is a major local employer.

Dorset Echo: New Look HQ, Weymouth, 07/03/18, PICTURE: FINNBARR WEBSTER/F19534.New Look HQ, Weymouth, 07/03/18, PICTURE: FINNBARR WEBSTER/F19534.

Confirming the sad news, a New Look spokesperson said: “Regrettably the New Look store in Weymouth will be closing in February after the landlord decided to exit the lease early.

"Whilst it was therefore not our decision to close the store, we are focusing on supporting our store colleagues and where possible finding alternative roles for them within the business.”

New Look’s landlords across the country were given more scope to end its leases when the 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.”

As previously reported, shoppers in Weymouth town centre were left reeling by the news - describing it as "tragic" - while both the Mayor of Weymouth and the chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce have voiced hopes that the chain could return to the town at another site.

Weymouth mayor Colin Huckle was unimpressed by the landlords' decision.

He said: "It is very disappointing that such an important local company will no longer have a presence in the town centre, and that the landlord does not appear to be prepared to negotiate," he said, adding that it is a "sad day" for staff, whom he hopes can be deployed elsewhere within the business."

Cllr Huckle said that while Weymouth has a good selection of independent retailers, it is concerning that those on tighter budgets have limited options when it comes to ladies' fashion - driving shoppers out of the town.

Upon hearing the news that the store would be closing, Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “It is very sad that the New Look store in Weymouth is due to close.

“New Look is one of the most recognisable names on the high street and obviously has been part of the fabric of the town over many years.

“I hope that a New Look store is able to return to Weymouth town centre before too long and that its former premises do not remain vacant for any significant amount of time.”

New Look has confirmed that the Dorchester branch has been unaffected and will remain open.