Breaking news: Mexborough store axed by Tesco

The High Street outlet is one of 43 announced by the chain as being axed and is expected to shut in April.

It is thought up to 2,000 staff across the country will be affected.

Tesco said staff at the named stores were told about the closures today.

Chief executive Dave Lewis announced earlier this month that 43 stores would shut but the locations, mainly Express and Metro branches, were only revealed today.

Mr Lewis said: “The decision to close the stores has been exceptionally difficult to take. I recognise it will affect many hard working colleagues, our customers and local communities.

“Our priority is to explain what this announcement means for our colleagues and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with Tesco.

“We will continue to serve our customers through other local stores and our dotcom service.

Mexborough councillor Sue Phillips said the news could be “disastrous” for the town.

She said: “I was officially informed this morning by Tesco's, that their Mexborough store will close on April 4.

“On receiving this news Cllr Tracey Leyland Jepson and I immediately contacted Scott Cardwell, Assistant Director for Development at Doncaster Council.

“We instructed Scott to put out feelers for potential tenants to take over this store as a matter of urgency.

The loss of Tesco could be disastrous for our town centre and we will do everything in our power to bring new business in.”