THE future of the Beales department store in Cinderford is looking uncertain as the Co-op served notice to quit.

The store on the High Street is leased by Anglia Regional Co-op Society but the building is owned by the Midcounties Co-op. The store's lease terminates on September 11 but the Co-op have told them that they must leave the premises by July 31 in order to allow them time to complete the formalities for their own exit.

Pam Hudson is the head of loyalty and marketing for Beales Department Stores. She said: "We don't have any information on the impact this will have on our staff or what will be replacing the store.

"We have sought to see if there was anyway we could keep the store open under an alternative lease arrangement, but unfortunately we have been unable to find a solution agreeable to all parties.

"This situation is in no way a reflection on the team in Cinderford, we have shown complete and total commitment throughout the time the store has operated under the Beales fascia."

Chief executive for Anglia Regional Co-op Society, John Chillcott said: "The issue is complex. Midcounties Co-op own the store and we lease it from them and sublet it to Beales Department Store. We clearly stressed when we leased the property to Beales, after the closure of Westgate, that we wouldn't be renewing the contract with the store and that it is their responsibility to renegotiate a new lease with Midcounties Co-op. In this case, it is for Beales to safeguard the future of its employees through devising a new deal."

A spokesman for the Midcounties Co-op, said: "We can confirm that we do own the building in question but the agreement lease is between Beales and Anglia Regional. We would be pleased to have further conversations with Beales as we are keen to see the building continue to be occupied."

Cinderford town mayor, Max Coborn said: "This is very unfortunate news for the town and again when jobs are at a premium this is the last thing that the town needs. The Co-op are killing Cinderford gradually what with delaying Asda from coming and now getting rid of Beales – I don't know what they are doing but I think that they are up to something and we have requested answers from them.

"It is a great shame for the Forest in general as it is the only department store that we have and I know the staff at Beales don't want to go. I will look forward to see what response the Co-op come back to me with."