RESIDENTS have labelled places in Oxfordshire ‘ghost towns’ after it was reported that a clothing chain is set to close three of its stores in the county.

High street store M&Co is believed to be closing its shops in Bicester, Witney and Wantage, leading many to question the future of other shops and businesses.

It is believed 50 M&Co shops are set close across the country, with several hundred jobs set to be cut.

In a post in the Bicester Chat Facebook group, it was claimed the store in the town was shutting with immediate effect and staff were allegedly told about their redundancy on a conference call.

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Janet Sears commented on the post: “I always loved that shop. So sorry for the staff too, some had been there many years.”

Meanwhile, Nev Boon commented on a post in the Spotted Witney Facebook page: “It’s a shame to see them go, but can still order online and try on at home. I fear more clothing retailers going the same way.”

Jackie Gregory said in the Wantage & Grove Community Facebook group: “Such a shame, I like shopping there and sad for Wantage.”

M&Co has been contacted for a comment.