A popular ‘bakery-to-go retailer’ has closed one of its North East branches as part of a long-term plan for ‘sustainable growth’.

Over the weekend, the Cooplands store in Lanchester, located on Church View, closed as part of wider business restructuring in Cooplands retail and Bakery operations.

Currently, the Scarborough-based business does not have plans to open a replacement store for its Lanchester venue.

This comes months after Cooplands closed its Durham North Road branch of the business – disappointing customers and fellow businesses alike.

Read more: Cooplands on Durham's North Road to close before the new year

A spokesperson for the bakery chain said: “Following an in-depth review of the business, we have proposed to make some changes to both our retail and bakery operation to help better position the business for long-term and sustainable growth.

“This has been done to ensure that our store estate and broader business are fully aligned with our ‘modern bakery food-to-go retailer’ strategy.

“As a result, we have entered into a consultation process with a number of colleagues. We appreciate that this may be unsettling for colleagues and our priority is to support them fully throughout this process.”

The business has also announced that their Houghton branch, in Sunderland, is set to close in the summer.

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In 2021, Cooplands parent company, EG Group, announced plans to open 30 outlets a year though until 2026.

There are two alternate Cooplands venues in the area, at 24 Middle Street, Consett DH8 5QJ, and in Stanley, on Front Street, DH9 0HU.

A series of businesses have closed their doors in Lanchester since the pandemic with many citing the tough economic climate.