Morrisons names seven stores to close putting 680 jobs at risk

Morrisons said it had told the employees involved

The grocer has already closed 11 stores and sold off all of its M Local convenience stores (Getty Images)

Morrisons has named the seven stores it plans to close, putting 680 jobs at risk around the country.

The stores will shut up shop following a minimum consultation period of 45 days, a spokesman confirmed. Morrisons said it had told the employees involved.

Morrisons is to close its only store in central Bradford, where it is based.

The seven stores are:

Westgate, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Wigan, Greater Manchester

Boston, Lincolnshire

Stowmarket, Suffolk

Braintree, Essex

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Hounslow, West London

Morrisons sales were up 0.2 per cent over the Christmas period, beating expectations.

The grocer has already closed 11 stores and sold off all of its M Local convenience stores at a loss of £30 million as part of cost cutting plans.

David Potts, chief executive, said earlier this week that the turnaround plan was working and that customers were coming back to stores.

While there is of course much more to do, we are making important progress in improving all aspects of the shopping trip, and our customers tell us they are pleased with the changes,“ he said.