The well-known chain's Norton village branch is set to close on same day

Get the latest news from Darlington direct to your inbox with our free email newsletter

Costa is closing another of its Teesside stores. The coffee chain has confirmed a Stockton town centre branch will become the latest casualty of the high street within days.

The High Street restaurant, near The Globe theatre, will shut for good this Sunday, December 11. It comes as the well-known name's only Norton branch is also set to close on the same day.

It's not yet known if any job losses will result from the closures. However, Costa says it is working with the store franchise owner to transfer staff to other branches in the area.

READ MORE: Teesside Park Primark officially set to open as plans for huge new store given green light

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the Costa Coffee store located at 6-8 High Street, Norton and the Costa Coffee store situated at 148 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees will permanently close on Sunday, December 11.

"These stores are owned and operated by one of our franchise partners and we are currently working with team members on transfer opportunities to separate Costa Coffee stores in the local area. We apologise for the inconvenience these store closures will cause.”

Fans of the Norton store said they were 'gutted', while others said they should 'support independents' in the village. "Shame," one person wrote, "another take away pending or bookies."

Another poster added: "Hopefully no more bars, takeaways or coffee shops. The village needs a DIY shop or another independent outlet."

The nearest Costas stores are now opposite the fountain on Stockton High Street and the University Hospital of North Tees. The chain also opened a drive-thru restaurant in the car park of Morrisons' Teesside Park last month.

Other nearby branches include Next at Teesside Park and a recently built drive-thru at Portrack.

Dixy Chicken worker tells of being stabbed in face by customer upset at late order

Seven arrested as man dies in hospital following alleged aggravated burglary

Suspected drug driver arrested after car flips onto its roof and into parked car in horror crash

Pictures of celebrating Teessiders as England smash Senegal 3-0 in World Cup