FEARS have been raised over the future of Laura Ashley in Newport as the company announces the closure of 40 UK stores.

The company has not yet released a list of which stores will close, but has said the stores that do not close will be expanded.

The move to close the stores comes as the company tries to break into the Chinese online market before possibly open stores there too.

Newport Central Councillor Julie Jones-Evans slammed the possible closure of Newport's High Street branch.

She said it would be a huge blow for the high street if it did close.

"That building already has an empty store at one end with the chip shop being closed," she said.

"It's been such a tough November for retailers in Newport, and if people are going to decide to do their shopping online it's just going to get worse."

A Laura Ashley spokeswoman said: “Laura Ashley’s new chairman has outlined his vision for the brand, which includes significant expansion in Asia, including opening bricks and mortar stores in China.

"As part of this vision Laura Ashley will continue to review its store portfolio for the long term. There is no timetable for store closures and no list has been prepared.”