Marks and Spencer has announced it will be closing its Putney branch amid new plans to modernise the high street shopping experience.

M&S said store closures are part of a programme to better meet the changing needs for customers.

The firm said the branch on Putney High Street will be relocating all 62 colleagues who work there to nearby stores.

Sacha Berendji, director of retail at Marks & Spencer, said: “We believe these changes are vital for the future of M&S and we will continue to accelerate the programme, taking tough but necessary decisions, as we focus on making M&S special.”

As well as Putney, M&S has announced five other stores that will close by the end of April and eight that are proposed for closure.

The company has announced, however, that it is planning to open more Simply Food stores - including one in Streatham Hill.

M&S currently has 1,025 stores, 302 Clothing, Home and Food, 684 Food-only and 39 Outlets.

Jayne Saunders, M&S head of region for South West London, said: “This is something we’ve given a great deal of consideration to and is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. We’ve got a great team in Putney and I’m pleased they will stay with us and continue to serve our customers from stores nearby.”

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia said: “The news that the Putney branch of M&S is to close as part of a wider programme of store closures is disappointing news for Putney and for those residents who have come to value and appreciate the choice and quality it offered. This is part of a wider rationalisation being carried out by the company and not at all a reflection on trading conditions or the vibrancy of Putney High Street which remains one of London’s busiest and most buoyant shopping areas.

“Our role now will be to ensure that whatever replaces this store continues to add to the high street’s vibrancy, reinvigorates this part of the town centre and makes a positive contribution to Putney.”