The Tesco Express store in Heybridge is to close.

Chief executive Dave Lewis said: β€œIn January I announced that our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of where we would want it to be and that to protect the future of the business in the UK we would close 43 unprofitable stores.

"It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that our Heybridge Express store is one of the 43 we plan to close.

"The decision to close the store has been exceptionally difficult to take.

"I recognise it will affect many hard working colleagues, our customers and the local community.

"Our priority is to explain what this announcement means for our colleagues and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with Tesco.

"I would like to thank all our customers who have shopped in our store.

"We will continue to do our best to serve them through our other local stores in Maldon, Witham and Chelmsford and our dotcom service.”