Shoppers in Windsor and Slough are facing the loss of two iconic stores this week.

The loss of Debenhams in Slough High Street - which finally closed on Wednesday - has been expected, following the company's earlier announcement of plans to shut a number of shops in the South East following major losses.

But the closure this Saturday of the Lakeland kitchenware store in the Windsor Yards shopping centre has come as a surprise and a shock to shoppers in Windsor, coming after the loss of the adjoining Fenwick's department store and Next.

A statement for Lakeland said: "It is with regret that we’ve had to announce the closure of our Windsor operation in 2020.

"Lakeland has received notice from the landlord of their intention to redevelop the site, which will result in Lakeland vacating the unit.

"Having explored all options currently available locally, Lakeland has sadly been unable to source a viable alternative to the current unit and as a result has no option but to announce the store’s closure with colleague consultations being undertaken.

"We are very proud of our store team, who have worked exceptionally hard to deliver a wonderful store environment for our customers, and we will be working closely with our colleagues to support them at this difficult time."

It is unclear from the statement who Lakelands' landlords actually are in the town and no-one was available to comment this week.

But a spokesman for Aberdeen Standard Investments - investment agents for Windsor Yards - said: “We are, and have been, considering different options to this end of Windsor Yards, since Fenwick and Next vacated their units here. These are with the aim of introducing new tenants to Windsor and Windsor Yards and revitalising this part of the centre for the benefit of the whole town.”