RETAIL giant Argos is set to become the latest high street name to pull out of Nelson after the loss of Tesco and Poundstretcher.

Around 40 Argos staff at the Victory Centre branch have been told the store will close on July 29.

Last year Tesco closed its Goitside store and another main store, Poundstretcher in Leeds Road, also moved out.

Argos bosses say staff are being helped to find jobs at other local Argos and Homebase stores but redundancies could not be ruled out.

Coun Eileen Ansar, who runs Slick clothing in the town centre, said: “It’s a big blow for the town, I think it’s absolutely terrible.

“When they were granted permission for the store in Colne they promised that the Nelson branch would not close. Now they have gone against that completely.

“To do this at a time when the work to re-open the road through the town centre is coming to an end is ridiculous.

“If they hung on they would reap big benefits.”

An Argos spokesman said consultation began over the store closure in August.

He added: “We are sympathetic to colleagues and understand store closures can be difficult for everyone.

"Since the notification in August we have been successful in placing a number of colleagues at neighbouring stores.

“We will continue to support colleagues to find employment at the other Argos and Homebase stores locally.

“Where this is not possible they will be offered redundancy.”

Three staff are permanent and the rest were on temporary contracts.

Managers have been redeployed to other stores.