A FINANCIAL service company is closing its stores in Gwent as it undergoes a restructure of its business.

The Cheque Centre stores that are based in Newport, Ebbw Vale, Caerphilly and Tredegar will be closing over the next few weeks.

Following the stores’ closures eight staff will be made redundant, two at each store.

The decision comes as the Cheque Centre decided to withdraw from the short-term lending market earlier in the year, which has necessitated the restructure of the business.

A Cheque Centre spokesman said: “As a result of our restructuring we will be reducing the number of locations that we operate from.

“These changes will mean the closure of stores in Gwent and we are in discussion with staff about final closure dates.

“Through the consultation process we have helped local employees look for new roles. We are disappointed that we have to lose them.

“We want to thank everyone who has used our services, and particularly thank colleagues who have operated our local branches.”