RESIDENTS responded to the 'devastating' announcement M&S may close its Hexham branch.

Marks and Spencer announced to its staff it was considering closing the store due to changing shopping habits in a statement on February 27.

The announcement follows the news earlier this year that M&S plans to close dozens of stores UK-wide over the next five years, which is hoped will save the business millions of pounds.

Hexham residents responded to the 'shocking' news. 

Ashley Pearson said: "Absolute shame, love the food hall in there and the staff are fab throughout the store, couldn’t be more helpful."

READ MORE: Hexham's M&S proposes to close store

Andrew David Robson said: "I have been to this store numerous times with my family for lunch visits in the café. My friend James's dad used to work at this store too. This is such shocking news to read about. Please say this isn't so."

Mandy Ferrol said: "This is shocking for Hexham," and Dorothy Neal added: "I’m so disappointed it’s my favourite shop. Hexham is deteriorating rapidly."

Wendy Nisbet said: "Sad news, especially for the lovely staff," while Hayley Ellen Watson said: "That’s such a shame, it was a lovely store."

Jonathan Strutt commented: "It’s a big piece of real estate that probably isn’t getting the returns they need. They should open a food hall in smaller premises in Hexham."

Jo Robson added: "That is sad, it's the only one I go to as it's so much handier than the town or the Metro Centre."