The manager of Kendal's business improvement district (BID) has expressed his sadness at the closure of a major cosmetics and skin care store in the town.

Last week the Body Shop announced that a further 75 stores across the UK will close in four to six weeks after it fell into administration on February 13.

The local store is only one of two in Cumbria and is in a prime location within Westmorland Shopping Centre.

489 jobs are set to be lost, including those from the Kendal store.

READ MORE: Case made for Kendal Body Shop as company enters administration

Kendal BID manager Peter Brendling made the case to keep the town's branch following an initial announcement last month that seven were to close. 

From a local perspective, Mr Brendling said it brought a lot of footfall into the town centre.

Following the announcement that the Kendal store will close, he has now assured that the BID is lobbying the council over business rates as well as addressing the issue of rents in the town.

Mr Brendling said: "Kendal BID is sad to hear of the closure of the Body Shop in Kendal. Kendal needs a good mix of independent local shops and well-known national brands.

"Retail is experiencing tough times at the moment with increased costs and reduced income. Kendal BID is lobbying council to look at business rates and appealing to landlords to set realistic rents.

"As residents of Kendal, we can all do our bit to help by shopping in the high street rather than online."

116 of the Body Shop stores across the UK will remain open. 

The company has said a reduced store footprint will coincide with a renewed focus on the brand’s products, online sales channels and wholesale strategies.

It is believed this will bring the brand in line with industry peers and support a return to financial stability.

Joint administrator Tony Wright said: "In taking swift action to right-size The Body Shop UK store portfolio, we have stabilised the business and are providing the best opportunity for this iconic brand to have a long-term, sustainable future.

"The UK business continues to trade in administration, and we remain fully focused on exploring all options to take the business forward."