COMMUNITY leaders are writing to bosses of a department store, urging it to stay in Colchester.

Debenhams announced last week it would be closing 50 stores across the UK as the chain struggles financially with difficult trading conditions.

As of yet, it has not said which stores will be going but Colchester Council is writing to the department chain, asking it to stay in the town.

Martin Goss, (Lib Dem) ward councillor for Mile End, said: “It might be a couple of months or even years [before a decision is announced]. It’s not going to be quick.

“They will be analysing them in terms of their trading.

READ MORE: Major department store announces it will close FIFTY stores over next five years

“We understand Colchester is one of their better performing stores from the feedback we have had and we are quietly confident, but that said there’s no room for complacency and we absolutely need to ensure it remains here.

“It is a key part of Colchester’s retail experience and we must ensure we don’t lose it.”

Colchester’s Debenhams has been a fixture in the town centre since 1989 when it was opened by Jason Donovan following a retail renovation in Culver Square.

The store is one of three in Essex, with others located in Chelmsford and Basildon.

A decision on the stores which will close is expected in the coming months. Those which are selected will be shut down over the next five years, most likely to coincide with when rental agreements come up for renewal.

Mr Goss said: “Debenhams brings people into the town and offers a diverse range.

“What I would ask is for people to keeping shopping at Debenhams as much as possible and the town centre to ensure we have a thriving retail, leisure and tourist experience.”

Last week Debenhams posted record annual losses and said it would be closing up to 50 stores, putting 4,000 jobs at risk.

In the year to September the department store group lost £491.5m, against profits of £59m the year before.

Debenhams, which has 165 branches, previously said it planned to close 10 stores.

Boss Sergio Bucher said the company was “taking tough decisions” on stores where financial performance was likely to deteriorate over time.

Tim Young, (Lab) councillor for Greenstead, also asked the council to write to Debenhams.

He said: “We want to get some assurances [from Debenhams] and also tell them how important it is to Colchester.

“It’s not just important to the Colchester economy but an important employer too.

“It employs dozens of people and would be a huge loss to us and them if it was to leave.

“I think there will be an announcement in months as they want to make immediate savings.”