Pets at Home has announced that its Rugby store on Elliotts Field Retail Park will cease trading permanently on Sunday, September 7.

The retailer has however confirmed it is planning to open a new store in the Warwickshire town next year.

The decision has been taken by the company after the landlord confirmed changes to the make-up of the park. The store opened its doors in Rugby for the first time in 1996. Staff are being transferred to other nearby stores.

Sam Morgan-Smith, area manager for Pets at Home, said: “The decision was certainly not made lightly but unfortunately, the landlord’s new vision for the park does not see a place for Pets at Home. It is therefore with regret that we have to close this store next week.

“We are keen to ensure local pet owners don’t miss out on Pets at Home’s unique product range and customer service, so we are delighted that plans are underway for a new store in Rugby. We encourage our loyal customers to visit our other stores or shop online for all their pet needs, until the new store opens its doors next year.”