The Halesowen branch of shoe shop Clarks is set to close - after decades in the town - store bosses have confirmed.

The shop in the Cornbow Shopping Centre will shut its doors some time before April 1 after the chain decided not to renew its lease.

A spokesman for Clarks said the store was closing due to "declining sales and profitability."

They said: "We are not renewing the lease and have served break clause notice.

"Keys have to be returned to the landlord by April 1st – we are not sure of the last trading date yet."

Cornbow Shopping Centre manager Eve O'Connor was gutted at the decision.

She said: "We are shocked and saddened - it will leave a real hole in the centre.

"They have been there for more than 20 years."

The eight employees at the store are aware of the situation and consultations are ongoing to redeploy people where possible.

But Eve said there was some good news on the horizon with a major retailer set to take over four units in the centre - with an announcement expected within a week or so - and Costa Coffee set to open its branch on February 14.