COSTA Coffee will be closing one of its sites in Bournemouth town centre from today.

The national chain has confirmed that its shop in Old Christchurch Road has shut down.

A company spokesperson said the firm is attempting to provide opportunities in other parts of its business where possible.

Bournemouth central ward councillor Mike Green said the news was "disappointing" and hoped the unit can be reoccupied "very quickly."

The Costa Coffee spokesperson, said: “We can confirm that the Costa Coffee store on Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth will be closed from Thursday, October 8.

"We are currently in the process of redeploying team members to other areas of the business where possible.

"We would like to apologise for the inconvenience the closure may cause customers and hope to welcome them to stores nearby soon to continue to enjoy our signature, handcrafted coffees.”

Costa Coffee's other sites in the Bournemouth town centre that continue to trade are located by Odeon in the BH2 complex and in Commercial Road.

The area around the closed shop is well-populated with other hot beverage outlets including Caffè Nero, Esquires Coffee, Zaza Cafe, Real Eating Company Cafe, Leo Cafe, Cremma and Del Marco.

Councillor Mike Greene said: "It is disappointing to hear of businesses moving out of the town centre.

"That is the coffee quarter and there are several very good coffee shops, including some successful independents in town, competing for business.

"I can understand in the Covid days, where the number of customers has reduced, that unfortunately businesses closing will be the case.

"I hope the site will be filled very quickly."

The closure of the Old Christchurch Road Costa Coffee is the latest town centre food and drink business to close since the start of the pandemic.

It follows the likes of Yo! Sushi in Old Christchurch Road, Monty's Lounge in Bourne Avenue and Pizza Express in Post Office Road to cease trading in recent months.