WE shared the news with our readers that Marks and Spencer's store on Maiden's Walk, Hexham will close permanently in May.

The official statement announcing the news was made on Tuesday, April 9, revealing that the store will shut its doors for good on May 25.

Here's what readers said.

Daphne Scott said: "If they're not making the profit to keep the store afloat then what option do they have? Hopefully some good company will take it over with any luck, Hexham is becoming a charity town, not the town it used to be by a long shot."

Louise Robinson said: "This is such a shame," and Angela Huntsman said: "Absolutely disgraceful only decent shop in Hexham."

Mandy Ferrol said: "This is sad for the older generation they have nowhere to shop," as Hazel Barclay added: "Just awful. Hexham going slowly downwards."

Stuart Robertson commented: "Sad to see it close and hopefully it won’t sit empty for too long."

Margaret Ainsley said: "Feel so sad and let down," and Karen Holmback Ellerby said: "It's a shame they're closing but we could do with Iceland or some type of frozen food shop."

One web user said: "I can't say I'm surprised. Hexham desperately wanted M&S because it is good for the town's image. But since it opened I've never seen more than a handful of customers in there. Local shops are like your legs - use them or lose them."