Kirkcaldy has been dealt a blow with news that the Tesco superstore in Hunter Street is to close at the beginning of April with the loss of 180 jobs.
Staff were called to a meeting on Wednesday morning and told the devastating news that the store will close on April 4.
In a statement, Tesco Chief Executive Dave Lewis said:“Earlier this month I announced that our performance as a business has fallen significantly short of where we would want it to be and that to protect the future of the business in the UK we would close 43 unprofitable stores.
“It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that our Kirkcaldy superstore is one of the 43 we plan to close. The decision to close the store has been exceptionally difficult to take. I recognise it will affect many hard working colleagues, our customers and the local community.
“Our priority is to explain what this announcement means for our colleagues and wherever possible, offer them alternative roles with Tesco. I would like to thank all our customers who have shopped in our store. We will continue to do our best to serve them through our other stores in Fife, as well as through our dotcom service.”
Kirkcaldy SNP MSP David Torrance told The Courier the news was “devastating”.
He said: “It’s devastating for the staff and it’s devastating for the economy of the High Street.
“How can the Postings shopping centre survive without major retail in there?
“The impact on surrounding shops will also be devastating. Most of all I’m devastated for the 180 staff.
“We also need answers over what happens to Kirkcaldy’s only post office which is in Teswco. It’s a massive blow to the area and I will be writing with my concerns to depute First Minister John Swinney.”
Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP Claire Baker MSP said: “The news that the Tesco superstore in Kirkcaldy is closing will be a devastating blow to its workforce and Kirkcaldy town centre.
“The store has been a valuable employer to the town throughout the years but it is now vital that everything is done to ensure that job losses are kept to a minimum and all help is given to the almost 200 strong workforce.
“There are also questions about the future of the Post Office in the heart of Kirkcaldy, what will now become of its future with Tesco closing?”
“I will be raising the issue in Parliament with the Scottish Government.”
Tesco have confirmed that its store in Cupar is safe.