THOMAS Cook stores in Northwich, Winsford and Knutsford have survived a cull after the travel giant announced plans to close 21 stores around the country.

The travel giant said that the closures, which will put 320 jobs at risk, are part of plans to ‘streamline’ its UK retail network as part of an efficiency programme and to address changing customer behaviour.

A consultation process with the affected staff and unions has begun.

Thomas Cook's chief of tour operating Will Waggott said: "The announcement reflects the wider challenges seen on the high street, with more and more customers choosing to book online.

"These measures will help us to drive greater efficiencies across Thomas Cook so that we relentlessly focus our resources in those areas that give us the greatest opportunity to make a difference to customers in our core holiday offering.

"Looking ahead, we will be working to ensure that Thomas Cook is fit for the future, putting a rigorous focus on costs in a competitive environment while giving customers more reasons to holiday with the strongest brand in travel."

The stores listed for closure are:

  • Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne
  • West Bromwich Sandwell Centre, West Midlands
  • Llandudno, North Wales
  • Sunderland Sainsbury's, Tyne & Wear
  • North Shields, Tyne & Wear
  • Peterlee, County Durham
  • Accrington, Lancashire
  • Market Harborough, 23 St Marys Place, Leicestershire
  • Bury Haymarket, Lancashire
  • Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
  • Aberdeen Langstane, Aberdeen
  • Chesham, Buckinghamshire
  • Launceston, Cornwall
  • Stevenage, Hertfordshire
  • Shipley, West Yorkshire
  • Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire
  • Guildford, Surrey
  • Glenrothes, 52 Unicorn Way, Fife
  • Colchester High St, Essex
  • Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
  • Kirkintilloch Cowgate, Glasgow