Readers reacted with sadness as it was revealed yesterday that a popular Maryport shop is closing - they unanimously agreed that it is a loss to the town.

Maryport’s Original Factory Shop is set to close.

The company announced on Monday morning that “due to the current climate and effect the coronavirus has had on the retail sector, the Original Factory Shop has taken the decision to close the Maryport store.”

In a social media post, a spokesperson for the company said: “We’ve had an amazing 11 years here and would like to thank all our loyal customers for shopping with us we’ve met some friends for life along the way.

They said: “Saturday the 13th of March will be our last trading day. Thank you.”

Seventy three of our readers reacted with sadness or shock to the news that the Senhouse Street stores is set to close. Claire Machin said: “That’s going to be a huge loss to our already struggling high Street.

“Really sad to hear this news. It’ll be another huge premises standing empty.”

Ethel Mitchell said: “Why the Maryport shop?”

Linda Wyatt said: “Oh no, that’s a real blow to the area.”

An anonymous commenter said: “The town needs regeneration. Every former Woolworth store taken over by B and M has thrived.

They said: “Why not encourage Home Bargains to take on our store?”

Michelle Bewsher said: “Another one, it’s not good.”

Jenny Burns said: “What a shame for the town and the workers.”

Lisa Lapping said: “I wonder if the Wigton one will end up doing the same.”

Ian Elliot said: “It’s probably not all down to Covid, online shopping is also a major factor. If people don’t use their local shops, they will all go.”

Angie Clarkson said: “I hope ours doesn’t, it’s the only decent shop we’ve got.”

Sheila Southen said: “We can expect a lot more to go, this is just the start.”