ROMAN Originals clothes store is set to close with a lack of footfall cited as one or the reasons for the shop shutting.

The women's fashion store, which is based at 28 Fore Street, will be closing on April 23, with one worker telling the Mercury that footfall had fallen since Christmas and that three people would be made redundant.

"We being closed down because we are not bringing in enough trade, partly due to a lack of footfall," the Roman Originals retail assistant Charlotte said.

"Footfall is normally around 10-13 per cent on average but over the past few months it has dropped significantly, now it fallen to 7.4 per cent."

Cllr Leigh Redman said he was troubled by the news of the closure.

"To hear that one of our local shops has decided to close is always a sad thing, but to hear that some of the reason is outside of their control is a real trouble to me.

"I hope it is not the start of more closures, because 'I told you so' will not help our local businesses. Please take a little extra time and go out of your way to support our traders, Bridgwater is open for business," he said.

Bridgwater's Countrywide Store, located on the Wills Business Park, is also set to close.

The agriculture trader has said it is shutting 14 of its 68 stores by the end of March as part of a restructuring to 'reduce costs and increase profitability'.

Commenting on store closures, John Hardman, Countrywide chief executive officer, said: "This has been a difficult decision which affects loyal and committed store teams but will enable re-positioning the retail business for success moving forward."

Countrywide say online is playing an 'increasingly vital role' alongside physical stores as part of its business plan going forward.