The store will be relocated to an out-of-town location - a new superstore at Weymouth Gateway Retail Park, in Dorset. The new store will open on July 15.

It will feature a food hall, cafe and "full-line" range of fashion, home and beauty offerings. It will also boast in-store bakery.

The new location - with 41,000sq ft of retail space - is more than double M&S's existing St Mary Street branch.

The closure of the town centre store has left some locals upset.

One said it was a "big big mistake".

Another said: "I really am quite sad, it's been part of my life since I was at college in Weymouth in the 70s. I like going in most days for bits and pieces."

A third said they will have to take "two buses" to travel to the new location.

A fourth complained about another empty store on their high street.

The move comes as part of M&S relocation strategy.

The chain has also opened two new city centre full-line stores: one at Bath Southgate in February and another at Bristol's Cabot Circus last November.

M&S Food branches have also recently opened in Hatfield, Luton, Farnham and Oxfordshire.

The chain is also planning a makeover for the branch in Clapham Junction a makeover. The branch will be closed from July 11 until September 2.