THE Hereford branch of Marks and Spencer is said to be in the firing line after the high street retailer announced it is going to close 30 of its larger stores.

National newspapers have quoted experts at the Local Data Company, who have compiled a list of areas that it thinks are vulnerable.

Hereford's branch in High Town, which sells clothes, homeware and food, is included in this list but this has not been confirmed by M&S.

A spokesman for Marks & Spencer said: "The list that has appeared in the Daily Mail is pure speculation. It is not based on any M&S data and we have not published any locations.

"What we have done is outlined plans to improve our store estate over the next five years which include opening 200 new food stores and selling clothing and home from 60 fewer stores."

Meanwhile, new jobs will be created when a luxury retailer opens its first Hereford store next month.

Flannels will be located in the former H&M store in Commercial Street and the new 14,600 sq ft store will span two floors and stock both men’s and women’s luxury clothing, footwear and accessories, in addition to a dedicated space for children's clothing.

The new store will create four management roles and 15 to 20 positions for casual workers.