THE Peebles branch of the Co-op has announced it is to close later this year.

But the Old Town branch will be taken over by national newsagent chain RS McColl.

All of the store’s current staff will remain in place.

Management at the Old Town store made the announcement through social media this week.

The statement read: “You may have heard, that as part of our ongoing business strategy, our store in Peebles will be closing on Monday, May 8 and transferring to the retailer RS McColl. 

“Our colleagues in the store will be unaffected. 

“As such, your nearest Co-op store will be a short distance away in Innerleithen.”

The spokesman added: “Thank you for your valuable custom and we look forward to welcoming you at Co-op Innerleithen.”