Travel Agency Threat

DOZENS of jobs at travel agents in Preston and Leyland could be under threat after a holiday company announced it was shutting 100 stores.

Thomson tour holiday operator TUI Travel is undergoing a two-year restructuring process after a merger of TUI's travel division and First Choice.

The company has not said which of its 1,100 UK stores will be closed or how many jobs are expected to be lost.

advertisementTUI will keep the two travel agent brands, Thomson and First Choice, separate.

There are currently Thomson shops in Friargate, Preston and Hough Lane, Leyland.

There are three First Choice shops in Preston - at Friargate, Deepdale Park and Fulwood ASDA.

A TUI spokesman said: "TUI Travel UK is continually evaluating the performance of its retail outlets.

"This is usual business practice for any retailer and continues throughout the integration.

"TUI Travel UK is not expecting large-scale shop closures.

"In