Tooting is to lose its Marks and Spencer, it has been revealed.

The store in Mitcham Road, which has been serving residents for 40 years, is closing because it is "no longer commercially viable", according to an M&S spokesperson.

The company said the closure would be in early May, although unofficially the exact date is said to be May 2.

It cannot confirm what will replace it, but said there was "strong retail interest".

The store will be relocated to the Priory Retail Park in Colliers Wood, 20 minutes away by foot. A giant flagship store is planned and the opening date is said to be May 1.

It will span 105,000 sq ft and include fashion, food and home sections, as well as a Café Revive coffee shop.

Although redundancy packages will not be offered, Tooting staff can move to Colliers Wood or other local stores. The new store will also create 150 extra jobs.

M&S says the new site will serve customers in Tooting and Colliers Wood better because it will provide more choice.

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has criticised the move. He said: "I am very disappointed that M&S will be leaving Tooting after 40 years.

"The priority is to get a flagship brand replacing M&S at its current location.

"It is really important for local residents such as me that we have a vibrant town centre. We don't want a parade of only bargain shops."

But Mark Clarke, local prospective parliamentary candidate for the Tories, hopes the move will turn out to be good. He said: "The Tooting M&S store was tired, in desperate need of refurbishment and filled with excess stock from other stores.

"The change of ownership gives Tooting a chance to attract a more committed flagship store which will better meet the needs of Tooting's changing population and which will invest properly in the town."

The council said: "We are disappointed about the proposed closure. News of the plans have come as a shock. Tooting is a popular and thriving area and we are keen to prevent the loss of such a major retailer.

"The leader of the council, Councillor Edward Lister has contacted management at Marks and Spencers and we are planning to meet with management in a bid to prevent the closure."