A shopper dropped her basket and walked out in disgust after learning that a popular clothing retailer had axed its changing rooms.

Louise Hill popped into the Greenbridge Matalan last week and filled her basket with clothes that she hoped to try on.

But the many changing rooms that used to be on-site were nowhere to be found. The space they used to occupy was filled with clothes racks instead.

Louise said: "I was so angry and disgusted that I just dropped the basket on the floor and walked out.

"I like being able to try things while I'm there and put the ones I don't want back before buying anything and heading home.

"It is arrogant of Matalan to expect customers to buy items, then make an expensive journey home and come all the way back - which for me, is a 10-mile round trip - for a refund if the clothes don't fit.

"It's a difficult economic time for many, with fuel prices going up. Customers don't need this extra expense and hassle.

"This is a big store with a wide range of clothing at reasonable prices, and I have shopped there often in the past, but won't be going back now unless the changing rooms return."

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Other big name brands in the Swindon area still offer shoppers a place to try before they buy, so Louise wonders why one of the largest fashion stores in town has decided to take theirs away.

She added: "I hope this does not start a trend and other shops start removing their facilities, too.

"The ones in Matalan used to have a sign saying 'These are not manned, carry on' - perhaps people took advantage of that.

"Shoplifting is a big problem but if that's the reason for removing the facilities, then they need to change their system and not penalise the customers for it.

"There must be some sort of way they could come up with to ensure people can use changing rooms without it being a security issue.

"This is a very disappointing situation and needs to be publicly highlighted."

The Matalan store is part of a national chain of discount retail spaces which offer classic and modern clothing and accessories for all ages, along with homewares.

A spokesman for the company said: "We have taken the decision to close the fitting room at this store. However, our returns policy allows customers time to try items on at home.”