Swindon shoppers have criticised Marks and Spencer's plans to close its town centre shop.

The Regent Street branch of the national chain includes a food hall and a large selection of menswear and womenswear, but is expected to disappear from the high street soon as M&S carries out what it describes as a 'store estate transformation'.

The retailer told staff last week that they are proposing to shut the Brunel Shopping Centre store.

This decision has not gone down well with customers who spoke to the Adver on Wednesday morning.

Jenny Ash from Shrivenham and Sarah Farrell from Eldene pop in weekly to have a look around.

Jenny said: "We go there every Wednesday to have a look at the clothes and get a coffee, it's something we look forward to.

"It's disgusting that they're closing. Wilko is going next, we've already lost BHS and Debenhams, which were always well-attended. There will be nothing here soon.

"My shoes and top are from M&S. They have three shops in Swindon and it's a shame that they decided to close this one."

Sarah added: "There will be nothing to come into town for.

"People shop online now but we don't do that, we like to have a browse, and we like the sales, and if you order things online they might not fit and then you have to send everything back and re-order."

Maria has lived in the town centre for more than 40 years and regularly stocks up on fresh food from M&S.

She said: "I'm not happy. First Sainsbury's closes and now this. Only Tesco's will be left, and that's rubbish.

"None of the supermarkets get replaced. They could at least keep a small food hall here.

"I'm not coming back into town after this closes, it's just coffee shops now. Where are all the old people around here going to get their shopping?"

Her daughter Caterina added: "It's handy for mum to walk in and shop. I think it's disgusting that the shop is closing and will be sad to see it go.

"Is someone going to come into town just for a cup of coffee? It's ridiculous."

Pensioner Kathleen, from Moredon, said: "This town has gone to pot, all the big shops - BHS, Littlewoods, C&A - are gone, it's on a big decline, which is a real shame.

"I still nip into town, just for something to do, but not often. M&S should stay."