TRADERS and shoppers have reacted with dismay over news the Westbourne branch of Waitrose is to close in the autumn.

The popular store will shut on October 24 and relocate to the site currently occupied by Morrisons on Ashley Road, Parkstone.

The move will spell the end of a 34-year stay for the popular Seamoor Road branch, with Waitrose pointing to a chance to double its store size as a reason for the move to Parkstone.

Westbourne traders say the impending closure could have a profound impact on their trade.

Nicky Hunter, owner of Les Infants and Le Boudoir in Westbourne, said: "I was horrified when I found out. It is going to have such a knock-on effect for us.

"A lot of holidaymakers use the supermarket and then go for what we call the Westbourne Walk around the shops."

John Harley, owner of Harley's furniture shop in Westbourne Arcade, said he was used to picking up passing trade from people using Waitrose and its car park.

The move has provoked a strong reaction in Westbourne, with staff in the store even suffering verbal abuse from customers over the closure.

In a letter to the Daily Echo, one angry shopper said he bitterly regretted every pound he had spent in the store and that he felt customers had been let down.

A Waitrose spokesperson said: "We believe Parkstone will offer us a better site to grow the business in the long term. We are significantly increasing trading space Parkstone is more than double the size of Westbourne.

"Waitrose takes its responsibilities towards the wider community very seriously and always seek to achieve a careful balance between the needs of our customers and the wider needs of the town we serve."

No job losses are anticipated, with the Morrisons and Waitrose workforces set to be merged.

John Beesley, ward councillor for Westbourne and West Cliff, said: "The loss of Waitrose will be a severe blow. It plays a vital role in the vibrancy of the retail offering in Westbourne.

"Councillors have been trying very hard to work with Waitrose to ensure that, at the end of their lease, there would be opportunities for them to relocate in Westbourne.

"Unfortunately they have decided to acquire the other store in Parkstone and relocate there.

"I am extremely disappointed and saddened they have taken this decision."

Cllr Beesley said every effort would be made to fill the void left by the Waitrose closure.