Staff and customers have been reassured that the recent announcement made by Gardiner Haskins will have no impact on the Cirencester store.

Speculation arose early this week when Gardiner Haskins announced that they were moving out of the Old Soapworks factory in Bristol, where they have been based for 60 years and relocating to the adjacent Brunel rooms.

As part of this restructure, some 70 posts will be made redundant as the business modernises and secures its future.

With speculation that the Cirencester branch might be following suit, Gardiner Haskins has confirmed that their Cirencester store will not be affected and will continue to trade successfully from its current location.

Steve Whitcombe, retailer director for Gardiner Haskins said: "In Bristol we are restructuring our retail operations and will build brand new showrooms in the Brunel Rooms to house fitted kitchens, bathrooms, beds and made to measure curtains & blinds.

"We will open these new showrooms this Autumn after which we will vacate the Old Soapworks building.

"We are doing this from a position of strength as we own all our properties, have a very healthy balance sheet and pension scheme surplus.

"No customers will be inconvenienced in any way by this restructure and we are working hard to support all affected staff.

"This will have absolutely no impact on our Cirencester store that continues to trade successfully from its vibrant high street location.

"We have a fantastic dedicated management team and staff and continue to invest in the store with new EPOS systems, store signage, bathroom department refurbishment and a new website for launch later this year.

"Next year we will be looking forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary of successfully serving our customers in Cirencester.”