TAUNTON'S two largest independent stores have announced their temporary closure due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Hatchers department store, in High Street, will shut after business tomorrow (Monday).

And furniture store Calverts, of Station Road, has announced it has already closed.

A Hatchers statement on social media says: "For what we believe to be the first time in 245 years, Hatchers will be closing temporarily by the end of Monday.

"We hope to deliver all outstanding orders where possible.

"As long as we can, we will be available by phone, e-mail, website and Facebook to take orders for anything we have that you need.

"We hope to see all our customers stay safe during this uncertain time and we look forward to seeing you when things return to normal."

A statement from Calverts says: "To protect you and to protect us, we have temporarily closed our store.

"Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you again. Stay safe."