RENAISSANCE beauty salon is closing its town centre branch after more than 15 years.

Owner Tricia Ackers broke the news via an emotional Facebook post

She said the College Street salon will close on Saturday, February 2, but revealed that the Prescot branch will remain open.

It said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the closure of Renaissance St Helens on Saturday, February 2.

"The combination of increased costs and reduction in footfall in the town makes it unsustainable for us to remain open.

"We have had a wonderful 15 years and have met some absolutely amazing people, many I now class as friends.

"Looking forward, we really hope that all of our lovely clients will join us at our Prescot salon, all the girls are moving over with us and they would love to continue your treatments there."

News of the closure comes as town centres up and down the country continue to face immense challenges.

St Helens' retail sector received another blow in January with the closure of Greenwoods menswear store in the Hardshaw Centre. 

The closure came after the company collapsed. The shop had recently reopened in the town after having closed its Bridge Street premises previously.

But there are signs of investment from entrepreneurs, with Luxor continuing to develop on Barrow Street, creating space for a restaurant and dance studio that will open in the coming months.

Sovereign Food and Wine Ltd will also move into the ground floor and basement of the former Tyrer's building on Bridge Street.

And a new specialist running store, Made to Run, will open on College Street, in the same row of shops on where Renaissance stands.

Progress is also continuing on the new bowling alley and entertainment complex off Chalon Way West. The venue is due to open in March.

There will, however, be more empty units when Argos and Marks & Spencer close their stores on Church Street, St Helens.