MARKS & Spencer has announced it could be closing its store in Banbury town centre.

The retail giant said it had made the 'difficult' decision to potentially shut its branch in Bridge Street, part of the Castle Quay Shopping Centre, due to changing shopping habits.

Councillor Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: "Marks & Spencer has played an important role in the Castle Quay shopping centre, and we are pleased that their store at Banbury Gateway will remain open to serve the local community.

"Whilst we are sorry that Marks & Spencer may be leaving, the closure of the store presents an opportunity to re-purpose the space to continue to attract exciting new brands to Banbury for the community and visitors alike.

"We will now be working with a professional team on the future of the space, and will investigate a number of options for the repurposing of the store should the store close.

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"Since acquiring the shopping centre in January 2018, Cherwell District Council has set in motion plans to transform Castle Quay in line with its vision to create a leading retail and leisure destination for the whole town of Banbury.

"The shopping centre will continue to be upgraded and we look forward to this change in its future for the whole community".

Steve Jackson, M&S Head of Region for Central, said: "Shopping habits are changing, so we’re reshaping our store estate so it is fit for the future, ensuring it meets the needs of customers today – and those of tomorrow.

"Proposing to close the M&S store in the Castle Quay shopping centre is a difficult but necessary part of these changes.

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"Over the coming weeks our priority will be supporting the great team of colleagues at the store, as we discuss what’s best for them.

"We remain committed to local customers and, if the proposal goes ahead, we will continue to serve them from other stores in the area, including M&S Banbury Gateway Shopping Park, where customers can pick up a full range of M&S products.”