IT has been an iconic fixture on Cirencester’s shopping scene for many years.

But last week it was announced that the Cirencester store is one of 31 branches across the country set to close, putting 37 local jobs at risk.

Business leaders said they were saddened by the news, but said Cirencester remains a vibrant and popular shopping destination, and would weather the loss of the major high street name.

There is no information yet about plans for the future of the Cirencester premises.

The announcement has been greeted by sadness among shoppers, as well as civic and business leaders.

House of Fraser’s 37 employees in the Cirencester store will lose their jobs, which is becoming a worrying theme in the retail sector.

There are also concerns about the knock-on effect it will have on the town’s Market Place.

The future of the premises is currently unclear, but Cotswold District Council has turned its attention to planning how they can attract new retailers to the building.

Council leader Cllr Mark Annett said: “Despite the forthcoming demise of our iconic department store in Cirencester, we believe that there are excellent opportunities on the horizon to attract new retailers who can enrich the shopping experience in the town.

“We aim to work with the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, local councillors and representatives of local businesses and other organisations to plan the best way forward. This includes discussions with the current owners of the building about potential new uses.

“Most people were disappointed when the House of Fraser announced the closure, but it wasn’t a huge shock. Shopping habits have changed radically over the last decade with the phenomenal growth in online trading.

“Nevertheless, recent trends indicate that there is still a healthy appetite for trips to the shops, provided they offer something special. We want to help Cirencester provide that wow factor.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Cotswold District Council Cllr Joe Harris hopes the council will focus on the economic development of the town: “It’s a real shame to hear about the closure of House of Fraser, and it will leave a huge hole in the fabric of Cirencester’s Market Place,” he said.

“What we need from Cotswold District Council isn’t warm words but real actions, the Conservative administration running the council has had 17 years to create a plan to support the economy and hasn’t done that.

“Now, as retail is radically changing we’re playing catch-up in the Cotswolds, we need a district council that will grasp economic development enthusiastically, unless we do this the Master Plan for Cirencester town centre will be another lame duck.”

Cirencester Town Council echoed Cllr Annett’s sentiments and are keen to work with the district council on a town plan.

A spokesman said: “While the town council is disappointed to see a long established and well-loved department store closing in Cirencester, we fully understand that this forms part of a significant closure programme by House of Fraser.

“Cirencester remains vibrant and open for business with a wide range of events and markets which regularly attract shoppers and visitors to the town. Such a major closure presents the town with an opportunity to build on the success of the town centre regeneration scheme and other refurbishments such as the Fleece Hotel and Corn Hall.

“We will work collaboratively with the district council on a town centre masterplan and welcome the announcement from the leader that they will be taking steps to enhance the town centre and together with the town council will lead the way in bringing to fruition important developments which we hope will be a catalyst in attracting other businesses, retailers and leisure offer to Cirencester.

“Importantly, as part of our retail forum initiative, we will continue to listen closely to the views of retail businesses in the coming weeks and months that will help us shape the right response.”

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, county councillor for Northleach and Bourton feels the closure can be turned into a positive.

He said: “It’s disappointing really, especially when so much money has been spent on this Market Place. It looks so much better and it’s a great open space, so for one of the iconic shops to go is disappointing, but there are national factors at play here.

“What I want to see is the council reaching out to other retailers, seeing what else is out there because we can get something special here.

“It could turn into a positive. We’ve got a great space, there are lots of shops, lots of coffee shops and restaurants. We need now a unique shopping experience, but what a great site for someone to move into.”

Money.co.uk, which has a base on Cecily Hill in Cirencester, has reminded employees to ensure they check their rights.

Adviser Laura Rettie said: “Really sad news for the staff at this store. If you’re working at House of Fraser, what you need to do is check your redundancy rights first and foremost.

Also dig out any mortgage or protection policies that you may hold. Obviously, it’s really sad but there are things you can be doing now to ensure that your future doesn’t quite look so bleak.

Overall, Cirencester’s residents were saddened by the closure and are concerned about the town’s Market Place.

Resident Amy Hughes took to Facebook to raise her concerns. She said: “The issue is that many people choose to do online shopping, rather than shop on the high street.

“Businesses that are successful now are places that sell things or offer a service you can’t buy online, such as coffee shops, hairdressers.”

Joyce Hall, a shopper in Cirencester, said: “I don’t think they were quite keeping up with the latest fashion here.

“It could be such a wonderful shop because there are very few dress shops around here, but people will lose their jobs. It’s looking pretty bleak. I think it could have a negative impact on the rest of the town.”

Colin Baldwin feels a lack of a men’s section could have had an impact on the Cirencester branch: “It’s a household name and it’s a real shame,” he said. “Maybe not having a men’s section has had an impact.”

There has already been plenty of speculation about potential replacements for the outgoing store.

In a Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard poll, John Lewis was the most popular retailer wanted to replace the outgoing store, claiming 43 per cent of the vote. Marks and Spencer was second with 31 per cent and B&M Bargains was third with 16 per cent of reader’s votes.