SUPERMARKET giant Waitrose has decided to close its supermarket in George Street Mall, Kidderminster, as it opens a larger state-of-the-art store in Droitwich.

All employees are being offered the chance to take up positions in the new supermarket, which will open in July, when the other store will close. Vacancies will also be put on hold at other local Waitrose branches.

Waitrose, which is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, currently employs 75 people in Kidderminster.

The new Droitwich supermarket will be double the size and will have more than 200 employees.

"We have looked carefully at the position of our Kidderminster branch and decided that this 35-year-old shop does not offer the kind of shopping environment which customers would expect from Waitrose," said managing director Steven Esom.

"In contrast, our Droitwich branch will offer a bright, attractive shop, a convenient car park and a far wider selection of products and services.

"By timing the closure of Kidderminster to coincide with the opening of our new Droitwich branch, we will be able to ensure our employees have the opportunity to remain with the business.

"Their experience and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that we can offer a first rate service to our customers at Droitwich."

A local recruitment campaign is currently under way to fill other vacancies at the new Droitwich store.