A POPULAR supermarket in Sandhurst is one of seven stores to close across the country, putting a total of 90 jobs at risk.

Waitrose and Partners on Yorktown Road announced on Thursday July 18 that it will be closing its store in Autumn, this year.

The retailer is closing three of its shops and selling another four, putting 677 jobs at risk throughout the country.

The local Sandhurst store has sold its contracts to another retailer and the buyer has not been named as of yet.

Mark Day, regional manager at Waitrose and Partners, said: “We have taken great pride in being part of the Sandhurst community so the sale of the shop is not something we take lightly, but we have sadly not been able to find a way to make the shop commercially sustainable in the long term.

“Our priority is our Partners working there who will be fully supported throughout the process and we will identify opportunities for those wishing to remain with the business wherever possible.”

A total of 90 employees, who are called Partners, are at risk of losing their jobs and have now entered a period of consultation.

Sally Knight, who is a resident in Sandhurst, said: "It is a real shame to see it go.

"I go to Waitrose as it is convenient to get little bits and pieces and the staff are so friendly so it's nice to have a chat and see familiar faces.

"I just feel sorry for the staff really because they seem like such a close knit community."

The 54-year-old explained how shopping in her local Waitrose is easier than having to shop in the big Tesco as it stops her from spending a fortune.

She added: "I don't know what else can go there really, I don't think another supermarket will do well because we do have a massive Tesco and Marks and Spencers up the road."