Colchester town centre is to lose two more top women's clothes stores.

Both Miss Selfridge and Richards will be closing down over the coming months.

The Arcadia company, which owns both of the chains, will be closing all Richards branches by the end of March.

Around half of the shops will be retained by the company to house its other brands, but the Colchester store is earmarked for complete closure.

The Witham branch of Richards will be transformed into a Burtons menswear store.

Talks are now being held with the Colchester staff over employment in other Arcadia-owned stores.

The town's Miss Selfridge, which employs around 15 staff, will also close over the next few month.

The Arcadia spokeswoman said no firm date had been set for the closure. Staff would be taking jobs in its other stores.

Hamells last week said it would be moving out of Colchester.

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