BOSSES at one of East Anglia's premier stores have announced the axe is to fall on up to 36 jobs because of controversial redevelopment plans.Roys, in Bury St Edmunds, is set to close next month to make way for a new supermarket, homes, and a multi-storey car park.

BOSSES at one of East Anglia's premier stores have announced the axe is to fall on up to 36 jobs because of controversial redevelopment plans.

Roys, in Bury St Edmunds, is set to close next month to make way for a new supermarket, homes, and a multi-storey car park.

But the move, which has been instigated by the building's owners, Halladale, has left staff members devastated at the prospect of being left jobless at the end of a 30-day consultation period.

Last night, Brian Godfrey, who is managing director for the Roys chain, said he was deeply saddened by the news.

“The company is extremely disappointed to be closing the store, but had no option as it was becoming increasingly more difficult to retain staff with the threat of demolition hanging over the store, and almost impossible to fill any subsequent vacancies,” he said.

“Our priority must now be to ensure that everything possible is done, during and after the consultation period, to help our staff to find alternative employment.”

Roys, which is a long established family business, opened its store in Risbygate Street, Bury, in 2001 following the closure of the Kwik Save food shop. There are currently eight Roys stores operating throughout Suffolk and Norfolk, including in Sudbury and Thetford.

Halladale's plans for the multi-million pound shopping and housing development are now in the hands of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which will decide whether to grant the firm planning permission or not.

“We sincerely apologise to our many loyal customers for letting them down and hope they will understand that the decision to close was due entirely to events outside the company's control,” added Mr Godfrey, who said the firm's property agents had been searching for suitable alternative premises in the area.

“However, former customers of the Bury store will be most welcome should they care to visit any of the Roys stores.”

Entertainment retailer Music Zone, which has a store in Bury's town centre, also faces closure following reports it is going into administration.

According to a national newspaper, the UK-wide chain has filed a notice of “intention to go into administration” at Manchester Crown Court, but it could withdraw the notification if a new investor is found.

lisa.cleverdon@eadt.co.uk