MARKS & SPENCER is set to close one of its flagship retail locations in just three days’ time – and it’s the last one in the area.

The closure has been widely opposed by the community.

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The closure of the flagship site has been considered a major blow to the community Credit: Google maps

M&S in Newport is also set to close this summer Credit: Google maps

M&S‘s historic flagship site on Oxford Street, Swansea, will shut its doors permanently on Saturday, May 30.

The iconic store has been a fixture in the Welsh town since it opened in 1957, and its closure marks the loss of up to 92 jobs.

At the time the decision was announced, Richard Owen, M&S regional manager, said: “The Swansea store has been a key part of the community for many decades.

“Unfortunately, it is not viable to keep the store open as the building faces practical and operational issues requiring significant investment, the store has underperformed over a long period and we must prioritise long-term growth decisions.”

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Residents have been widely opposed to the closure, calling it “a huge loss to the city centre” and “another nail in the Swansea coffin”.

Another said: “No M&S in Wales’ second city…absolutely shocking.”

This comes as the retailer announced it would also be closing its location in Friars Walk Shopping Centre, Newport, at the end of next month.

Having been open for 11 years now, M&S decided to close the site following the recent expiry of its lease.

It said it would continue to support staff in finding alternative roles and serve Newport customers through nearby stores.

With 22 owned stores in the country, the closure of these two major sites brings that number down to just 20.

Although the retail giant said it was committed to reviewing new locations for its UK-wide store estate, no official locations in Wales have been confirmed yet.