A POPULAR women's clothing store in Witham is closing down, with all of its staff set to lose their jobs.

Roman Originals, based in Newlands Shopping Centre, in Newland Street, will close on Wednesday, June 13, after many years in the town.

All of the store's employees are set to lose their jobs, with business bosses saying the closure was unavoidable.

A spokesman for Roman Originals said: "Roman Originals will only close a store if it is absolutely necessary and unfortunately this closure was beyond our control.

"We are continually looking for new opportunities to open stores and will look at all proposals."

Customers still wanting to purchase items from the business have been referred online or to the business' closest shops in Chelmsford and Basildon.

The closure is a blow for the Newlands Shopping Centre, which is also home to fashion outlets New Look and Peacocks.

Tina Townsend, chairman of Witham Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are disappointed to see Roman Originals close and it is particularly sad for those employees who will lose their jobs.

"We look forward to support whichever business moves into the vacant unit once it has been let to new tenants."