Update: High Street Store set to close in Hitchin town centre - find out why

A well-known high street retailer is set to shut for good in Hitchin town centre later this month.

The Works, a leading family friendly retailer of value gifts, arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery, will be closing towards the end of August.

According to a well-placed source at the store, the company failed to renegotiate its Bancroft lease with its landlord, forcing the store to close its doors for good on Friday, August 25.

A spokesperson for The Works said: "We can confirm that we will be closing our Hitchin store after close of trade on [Friday] August 25.

"This has been a great location for The Works, but sadly we have been unable to agree a viable rent agreement with the landlord.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure and would like to thank customers for shopping at The Works over the years.

"We have been able to redeploy all team members to local stores and hope that customers continue to shop with us at our nearby stores in Letchworth and Stevenage or online at theworks.co.uk."

However, Hitchin Nub News also understands that the Works only wanted a relatively short lease as they are still currently subletting the site with Hitchin Property Trust, after the original lease with Morrison fell flat when the national grocery chain departed Bancroft.

The Works on Bancroft is to close. PICTURE: Closing Down. CREDIT: Hitchin Nub News