THE closure of a high street coffee shop has been described as a “loss” by a councillor who warned that people needed to use or lose their local stores.

Costa Coffee, in Tong Street, shut over the summer after the high street coffee giant re-assessed its “property strategy”.

The company, which is owned by Whitbread, is believed to have looked again at its portfolio after the proposed sale of Costa to Coca-Cola was announced on August 31.

The cafe, close to the junction with Holme Lane, has a sign in the window explaining to customers it closed due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

Although the signs remain outside, inside chairs are stacked on top of tables and displays usually filled with sandwiches and cakes are deserted.

Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) said he was saddened by the closure.

He said: “It sounds like a corporate decision by Whitbread, which owns Costa Coffee.

“It’s disappointing to lose any shops, but if people don’t use them, they will lose them.

“It’s simple economics and that’s why pubs are closing down up and down the country.

“It’s a loss to the street and the customers who used it.

“This sort of thing happens when companies decided to sell up and they need to make as much money as possible.

“It’s a good thing they are looking after their staff.”

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “As the nation’s favourite coffee shop brand, we continuously review our Costa Coffee stores and locations to ensure we’re meeting the needs of the local community.

“We can confirm that as of 30th June 2018, the store on Tong Street closed, with all team members offered alternative employment with Costa Coffee in the local area.

“We apologise to customers for any inconvenience as a result of the closure and would like to signpost them to nearby stores at Bradford Retail Park and Bradford Broadway.”

The £3.9bn sale of Costa Coffee to the American drinks corporation was announced at the end of last month. The deal is expected to complete in the first half of next year.

Alison Brittain, Whitbread chief executive, said: “This transaction is great news for shareholders as it recognises the strategic value we have developed in the Costa brand and its international growth potential and accelerates the realisation of value for shareholders in cash.

“The sale of Costa to Coca-Cola is another successful landmark in the 276-year history of Whitbread.

“Whitbread acquired Costa in 1995, for £19 million when it had only 39 shops and successfully grew the business to be the UK’s favourite and largest coffee shop company.”