SHOPPING in Weston will be dealt another blow when a ladies fashion retailer closes this weekend.

Ethel Austin, which took over the former Woolworths store in High Street in November 2009, will cease trading on Saturday.

There are 20 staff that work at the store and they were only told on Monday of the closure.

A spokesman for Life & Style Retail, which owns the chain, was unavailable for comment as the Mercury went to press.

Steve Townsend, town centre manager, said: “Our first thought is with the team and can only hope they have alternative employment.

“Our town centre shopper surveys always indicate that a Primark would be a welcome addition to the High Street, but in the past the store has been considered to small.

“We can only hope that the landlord is proactive in the re-letting of this substantial unit as soon as is possible.”