HOLIDAY firm Thomas Cook is set to close one of its stores in East Lancashire as part of national cutbacks.

A total of 320 jobs will be at risk nationally as the decision to shut stores has come as part of the travel giant’s plans to ‘streamline’ its UK retail network and to address changing customer behaviour in the digital age.

A consultation process with the affected staff and unions has begun.

Accrington Arndale’s Thomas Cook is one of the 21 stores listed for closure, and will take place by the end of May, if the proposals go ahead Thomas Cook has not revealed how many jobs will be at risk in the local store. No other East Lancashire stories are at immediate risk, a spokesman for the travel giant has said.

Customers in Accrington will have to travel more than seven miles away to the nearest store, which is based at Chancery Walk in Burnley.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones described the national retailer’s decision as ‘saddening’ and said he believes the town is no longer attractive to major retail chains.

The Labour MP said: “It’s disappointing to see Thomas Cook leave Accrington. Like many retailers they are moving from high street to online and town centres need to adapt to change.

“Towns such as Accrington are simply not attractive enough to many of the retail chain stores who are changing their business models. Town centres need to undergo significant changes.”

Concerns were raised by Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson over the impact the store closure would have on Thomas Cook employees.

Cllr Parkinson said: “Job losses are something we do not want because of the impact on the families of the employees. When someone loses their job it’s very disturbing.”

Thomas Cook’s chief of tour operating Will Waggott said: “The announcement reflects the wider challenges seen on the high street, with more and more customers choosing to book online.

“These measures will help us to drive greater efficiencies across Thomas Cook so that we relentlessly focus our resources in those areas that give us the greatest opportunity to make a difference to customers in our core holiday offering.

“Looking ahead, we will be working to ensure that Thomas Cook is fit for the future, putting a rigorous focus on costs in a competitive environment while giving customers more reasons to holiday with us.”