TESCO is to close its store in the Stretford Mall - putting scores of jobs at risk.

The supermarket giant says it has made the bombshell decision because of poor trading figures.

The 41-year-old Stretford Metro store will close its doors for the final time in December.

It has a staff of 73 whose jobs are all at risk, although the company says that wherever it is possible to do so it will provide them with posts at other stores.

The company has written to Stretford ward councillor and Trafford Council explaining its decision.

Mark Thomas, Tesco's North of England said in a letter to the ward councillors: "Taking the decision to close a store is never one we take lightly, as we know our stores are much valued by local communities and the colleagues who serve our customers so well.

"As you can imagine, before making any decision to close a store, we work hard to ensure we have done everything possible to make the store work. In this instance, we have unfortunately not been able to improve its viability and, as the store trades significantly below the level of an average store of this size, we have had to make this decision."

Mr Thomas told Messenger trading figures have been declining at the store for four or five years.

He denied that the opening of the nearby Tesco Extra store on Chester Road several years ago had had an impact on the Stretford Mall store.

He said: "A range of other factors have impacted on sales in that location."

It is believed the opening last year of the Aldi store in the Stretford Mall hit custom at the Tesco Stretford Metro.

Stretford's ward councillors have spoken of their dismay at the closure.

The councillors, Tom Ross, Dolores O’Sullivan and Steve Adshead, said: "We are extremely disappointed with the decision.

"It is a busy store and well used by the local community. We believe Stretford had turned the corner and the future was beginning to look brighter for our town, this would be a step backwards.

"The news has made it onto social media and has proven to be very unpopular, with the Tesco Extra further up Chester Road not being a viable alternative to many residents.

"We therefore intend to meet with Tesco to discuss this and see if we can help change their minds on these proposals.

"Our thoughts at this time are with the many staff will likely lose their livelihoods and just before Christmas."

Tesco’s regional director North and Northern Ireland, Jonathan Taylor, said, “Our priority now is to explain what this announcement means for our colleagues and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with Tesco.

"We would like to thank all our customers who have shopped in our store and we will continue to do our best to serve them through our Extra on Chester Road.”

The deputy leader of Trafford Council and Executive member for investment, Cllr Alex Williams, said: “Trafford Council is disappointed with the decision by Tesco to close its Tesco Metro store in Stretford Mall. 

"Tesco has now formally written to the council regarding the matter and have advised  that it will aim to relocate staff to other sites. Our business growth team will also be on hand to signpost any redundant staff to other opportunities within the borough. 

"Trafford Council’s priority is to continue to work with businesses and residents to support regeneration and growth opportunities in Stretford.”