SHOE retailer Clarks says it is set to close a "meaningful" number of stores over the next five years across the UK.

In the county, outlets are located on the High Street, Worcester as well as Church Street in Malvern but the company has not confirmed if these stores are at threat of closure.

Paul Kenyon, chief financial officer for Clarks, says: “The retail space continues to be a challenging sector to operate in, with a tough trading environment and a broader global climate of economic uncertainty.

"Following a comprehensive review of our retail portfolio in the UK and US, we decided to record a significant charge in relation to store asset impairment and onerous lease commitments. It is as a result of this, and other one-time charges, that the Group has recorded a non-cash loss after tax.

“As we move toward 2020, we continue to invest in our business and the capabilities and expertise of our people to deliver on our business objectives. We remain committed to our goal of returning the Clarks business to competitive and sustainable levels of growth and profitability by 2023.”

"However, Clarks’ global reach and multi-channel trading model continues to provide considerable mitigation against the trading headwinds in the UK and US."

This story will be updated.