Shoppers have branded the closure of a popular high street branded shop as 'the end of an era' after it closed its doors permanently earlier this week. 

Poundstretcher, which is based on Essington Way in Peterlee, had been serving customers for three decades at the branch - but closed for the final time on May 15, to the disappointment of numerous shoppers who regularly use the shop.

The high street chain has locations across the UK, through its Poundstretcher and Bargain Buys brands, including in Stanley, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland among others in County Durham.

But announcing earlier this year that the Peterlee branch would be closing to make way for another development - Poundstretcher said that various other locations across County Durham would still be serving customers from Peterlee.

Just before the closure, a 50 per cent sale was announced at the Peterlee branch, which saw customers stock up on bargains. 

The Northern Echo: Closing down signs at the Peterlee storeClosing down signs at the Peterlee store (Image: POUNDSTRETCHER)

The building of Poundstretcher in Peterlee was based next to OneGym. 

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Poundstretcher will be closing to make way for a new development  - but customers who like the brand will still have stores at Bishop Auckland, Stanley, Newcastle and Durham to visit.

Established in 1981, Poundstretcher sells over 2,000 products, including a wide range of branded products at low prices, including groceries, toiletries, kitchenware, bedding, bathroom products, furniture, and children’s toys.

Reacting to news of the closure, one shopper said that it was "the end of an era" - while another said: "It will be a big loss - 30 years of the shop, there'll be plenty of staff and customers who have always been used to it been part of the town."