A RETAIL giant has confirmed it will leave the centre of Llandudno and move to the retail park.

Marks and Spencer has been located at 61 Mostyn Street for more than 80 years.

The company has not stated when the store would relocate to Parc Llandudno, but did confirm that all "existing staff" would make the move.

A spokesperson said: “We remain committed to relocating to Parc Llandudno, offering a bigger and better clothing and food store for the area.

“We’re still in the planning stage. That process continues and we’ll share plans with the community as soon as we can.

“The store will be a full line store which means it will sell both clothing and food, and the whole team will stay with M&S.”

The business did not disclose which unit it hopes to occupy.

Last year M&S closed a satellite store, also located in Mostyn Street, where it sold menswear and childrenswear. It moved these departments to the main outlet. This was the first stage of the relocation process.

Cllr Greg Robbins, who represents the centre of Llandudno on Conwy County Borough Council said: “Obviously if M&S go from the town centre it will have a serious effect. We can hope a new tenant of high quality will be found for the building.

“It is a very difficult time for trading at the moment. But what will happen is still a big unknown because M&S has not been in contact.”

Mayor of Llandudno, cllr David Hawkins said: “It is worrying to see what has been happening to the town centre which still retains its Victorian character and hopefully this will be maintained. If M&S goes it will leave quite a gap.”

Edward Hillier, managing director of Mostyn Estates, the freeholder of the property M&S currently occupies, said: “They hold the building on a long lease and it is for them to find another tenant.”