SHOPPERS mourned the loss of a town centre giant as the Regent Circus Morrisons closed for good.

The supermarket’s final day received little fanfare, with a handful of customers coming in up to the last minute to browse for bargains on what was left in the aisles.

Many of the shelves were empty and staff scurried round to pack up the leftover stock.

More than 100 people have lost their jobs and the largest space in the town centre’s flagship Regent Circus complex is now empty.

Phil Carlisle, 51, took a photo of his family outside the building after visiting the shop for the last time.

He said: “It will be a massive blow to the town centre and we feel very sad for the staff. It had a nice community feeling and we always chatted to the people on the tills.

“We popped in most days and used it for everything from weekly shops to walking over at any time to get something we forgot.

“Their food and clothes for the kids were good value. I guess we’ll go to Aldi now but we’ll have to drive.

“I’m not sure why it closed. If this site is not profitable enough for Morrisons, who will it be profitable for?”

Lucy Smith, 41, was one of the final customers let out by staff after closing time just before the shutters went down.

She said: “I’m very sad and disappointed that it closed. I regularly bought a basketful of bits and pieces and I hope it’s not empty for long.

“It did a lot for the local community. The shop generously donated money to my daughter’s school to support its summer fete.”

The supermarket chain announced its decision to close the branch last month.

A spokesman said at the time: “This decision follows our comprehensive consultation period with store colleagues and union representatives to investigate ways forward for the store.”

The shop’s departure follows the closure of its former neighbours Tiffins and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

A petition of more than 1,200 signatures sent to Morrisons bosses by Coun Stan Pajak not deter them from confirming the closure. Fellow supermarket giant Tesco has agreed to talks over the site but nothing has been confirmed yet. Other options are being explored.