The Penrith branch of JT Atkinson is to close its home and garden centre, making 11 staff redundant.
The branch will now focus on its traditional builders merchant business, which includes building, plumbing and heating counters, as well as a bathroom showroom and a tool hire department.

Marketing coordinator Sarah Hagan told DIY Week that the decision to close the home and garden centre at the branch was "based on general market conditions and competition from the big sheds in the area". She added: "We just couldn't compete with them, and then there's internet retail as well, it's just an accumulation really." Penrith is also home to a B&Q Supercentre and a Wickes.

The centre employs 13 staff, two of whom will move over to the builders merchants operation on the same site. The department is due to close sometime in the autumn.

A huge clearance sale began on Monday. Once the sale is complete the space on Ullswater Road will be available for rent. Marketing of the space will be undertaken by Knight Frank and local agents Penrith Farmers' and Kidd's.

The family-run business has eight branches across the North East and currently employs more than 150 staff.