The TG Jones store in Wells is set to close as the retailer pushes ahead with plans to shut around 150 branches across the country.

The High Street shop, formerly operated as WHSmith, is among stores affected by a major restructuring of the business after its owner secured court approval for the plan.

The Wells branch had previously faced an uncertain future after closure plans were first announced earlier this year. At that stage, no public confirmation had been given that the city store would be among those affected.

TG Jones operates around 450 stores and employs approximately 4,700 people nationally. The retailer was created after Modella Capital bought WHSmith's high street business last year and rebranded the shops.

The restructuring is intended to prevent the business becoming insolvent and includes around 150 store closures, rent reductions at some remaining branches and a further £15 million loan from Modella Capital.

TG Jones has blamed falling sales, inflation, reduced consumer spending, increased online shopping and rising operating costs for its financial difficulties.

Chief executive Alex Willson said following court approval of the restructuring: "This decision allows us to move ahead with our turnaround strategy.

"The plan protects the substantial core of the store estate and makes TG Jones a stronger, more sustainable business."

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A final trading date for the Wells branch has not been confirmed and it is not yet clear how many local jobs will be affected.

The closure comes as TG Jones begins shutting branches around the country, with stores including Bath also confirmed to be closing as part of the restructuring.

WHSmith's travel business, which operates shops at railway stations, airports and other transport locations, is separate from TG Jones and is not affected by the high street restructuring.

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