A TRAVEL giant is set to close one of its Colchester shops, with all staff at the store at risk of losing their jobs.

Thomas Cook has announced plans to close 21 high street stores across the country, leading to 320 job losses.

The holiday brand will close one of its two Colchester stores, in High Street, as part of plans to "streamline" its retail network.

The firm's second Colchester store, in Trinity Street, will remain open.

According to the retailer employees are unlikely to be moved to other outlets in the nearby area and jobs at the closing stores will be lost.

A consultation with staff and unions has been launched.

A spokesman for Thomas Cook said it could not reveal how many jobs would be lost at the Colchester Store until the consultation was completed.

Will Waggott, Thomas Cook's chief of tour operation, said: "The announcement reflects the wider challenges seen on the high street, with more and more customers choosing to book online.

"These measures will help us to drive greater efficiencies across Thomas Cook so that we relentlessly focus our resources in those areas that give us the greatest opportunity to make a difference to customers in our core holiday offering.

"Looking ahead, we will be working to ensure that Thomas Cook is fit for the future, putting a rigorous focus on costs in a competitive environment while giving customers more reasons to holiday with the strongest brand in travel."

Last month Thomas Cook announced it was exploring selling its airline business amid growing concerns over the company's future.