CONCERNS have been raised over the future of Cirencester town centre, following the news Tesco Metro is to close.

The Farrell Close store will shut in October and be replaced by a Tesco Express on Cricklade Street.

Attention has now turned to what could replace the old shop, which is located near Brewery Court.

"It’s unfortunate that Tesco are moving from their store in town to a smaller one on Cricklade Street, as it seems that it will be one less reason for people to ‘pop into town’, a spokesperson for Cirencester Chamber of Commerce said.

"We have concerns that the Brewery Court will be a difficult space to fill and urge Cotswold District Council to help find a replacement as soon as possible."

On social media some have suggested it would be the perfect place for a Wetherspoons, after the pub giant admitted earlier this year that they were on the hunt for a suitable site in the town.

And others have even mentioned reviving ill-fated scheme to build a cinema at Brewery Court. Planning permission was granted back in 2014 but little progress has been made since then and earlier this year Joe Harris, leader of Cotswold District Council, said the project 'looks like it's died a death'.

Work is currently underway to restore Cirencester's replica hare mosaic as part of a £30,000 investment in the Brewery Court area of the town.

Commenting on the Tesco closure, Paul James, economic development lead at Cotswold District Council, said: “This is a commercial decision by Tesco and the council’s influence in what happens is very limited.

"Our immediate concern is for the staff and we hope that they are all able to find new roles.

"We are also keen to ensure local residents have a choice of accessible and affordable food stores in the town centre.

"As Tesco own their existing store, our only form of control is through the planning system.

"If proposals come forward for redevelopment we will want to ensure they take account of plans for the wider area which are being worked on through the Cirencester Town Centre Masterplan.

"We will be liaising with Tesco to establish their intentions.”