THORNTONS will attempt to redeploy five staff at stores in other towns after confirming its St Helens town centre store is closing.

The Star reported last month how Church Square bosses had confirmed that the chocolate shop is set to close its doors.

The store, which was previously housed in the Pandora site in the shopping centre before moving to a smaller unit, announced the news by putting a sign in the window saying it will close in May.

A spokesman from Thorntons added: "Like any retailer, we are continuously reviewing our store estate to ensure we are in the locations that meet our customer needs.

"As a result of such a review, the decision was taken to close our store in St Helens.

"Currently, five members of staff are employed at the store but where possible we will try to redeploy them to nearby stores.

"Thorntons has been delighted to serve our many local customers over the years and we would encourage them to visit our other stores nearby in Liverpool, Wigan and Warrington in the future."

Steve Brogan, Church Square Centre Manager, said: “Thorntons will be closing at Church Square as the retailer only took a short-term lease.

“With regard to the future of the unit, we are currently looking at a number of different options and I look forward to being able to share updates in the coming weeks and months.”"

Pictures by Robbob