THE Mothercare store in the centre of York is to close after more than 25 years, affecting 14 jobs, it was revealed today.

Its doors will shut once it has sold clearance stock, "which should be some time between now and the end of the year," said Philippa Power, of Brunswick, the spokeswoman for the baby goods retail chain.

Meanwhile the premises are being advertised for sale.

The Coney Street outlet is a victim of the success of Mothercare World, the large store on the city's outskirts in Hurricane Way, Clifton Moor, where the city centre staff will be offered jobs.

"We will look to relocate them. That consultation is ongoing and some may want to take voluntary redundancy, but the policy is to find an alternative."

Ms Power insisted that the closure had nothing to do with the problems which had beset Mothercare since it was split from Bhs by parent company Storehouse two years ago. Losses of £5.4 million in the first quarter triggered the exit of chief executive Chris Martin in July.

She said: "There is nothing new about the constant review of Mothercare's portfolio.Obviously the High Street shop is very important, but it depends on each location and the performance of each store. The out-of-town store at Clifton Moor has been very successful."

One staff member at Coney Street said she was "heartbroken" at the news.

Updated: 14:58 Friday, September 20, 2002