THE Teignmouth branch of QS is set to close with the loss of seven jobs. It has been described as 'very sad, not only for the staff but also for the town'.

Manager Wendy Ray has been with the store for 12 years and was told of the news two weeks ago.

The branch, in Bank Street, is one of 134 being closed nationwide, with a further 208 up for sale.

Administrators were called in on February 9.

The team of seven staff, including two full-time and five part-time staff, have not been told the final day of trade.

Mrs Ray said: 'The administrators are gradually working through the companies' assets and it is likely that we will just be told on the day. 'We will all be made redundant and it is very sad for us.

'We all enjoy working here and being at the heart of the town and I know that our customers will be very sad to see us go.

'It is a very busy store but with such a flagship shopfront due to be empty, not to mention the amount of scaffolding and building work around here, it is not going to be very welcoming at the start of the tourist season,' she said.

Nearby, Shoefayre is closing down. It is thought that high street opticians Specsavers is to take over the site. Mrs Ray said that staff had concerns about finding alternative work in the town.

'It is getting harder and harder to find work locally, she said.

'And a lot of us do not want to have to commute to Torquay or Exeter for alternative employment. I have been working with a great bunch of ladies here and it is sad that they are going to have to start all over again.'

There is much interest in who will take over the site and it is likely that the prime position will rule out smaller traders.

The store has been in the town for 16 years.

A rebranding of the chain rolled out nationwide in 1997.

The QS Group and the Be-Wise chain was taken over by Hamsard Ltd four years ago.

Malcolm Shierson, Martin Ellis and Daniel Smith were appointed joint administrators of the Brighton-based companies.

The companies will continue to trade while a review of the companies' financial position is completed. Creditors and suppliers are being contacted about future trading agreements.