A BRANCH of a big brand supermarket is set to close for good.

The Tesco Metro at Victoria Viaduct is set to close later this year - but a replacement 'Express' store is being looked at by the company.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Carlisle Victoria Viaduct store later this year.

"We serve a fantastic community in Carlisle and remain committed to the town. We are actively working on plans to open a new Express store locally. 

“Our priority over the coming months is to support our colleagues that are affected. Wherever possible we will offer them alternative jobs within Tesco.”

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The store is one of only a few places to get groceries in the city centre. News of the closure has saddened those who use the store regularly as well as the staff who face uncertainty in the current financial climate.

One said on social media: "Oh no - they can't do that, it will just be a ghost town shortly if they keep taking everything away."

Another added: "If it's closing because of the university development, there are plenty of empty units in the Lanes or Lowther St for a Tesco site. The students need local food shops as many have no transport?"

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