DEBENHAMS staff in Dunfermline are worried for their jobs as Costa Coffee is set to arrive in-store next month.

Costa will run as a concession within the Kingsgate Centre store and is on track to open on August 11.

Debenhams employees fear shoppers will bypass the homeware, kids' and men's sections on the top floor and head straight for Costa instead, resulting in a loss in sales. Concerns were also raised that sales within Debenhams' own in-store restaurant would fall.

But Christine Morgan, director of PR at Debenhams, said: "Experience has shown us that when introducing a branded food offer to a Debenhams store there is a positive impact on footfall and sales in. So we expect the introduction of Costa in Dunfermline to be of great benefit."

Kerry Parkin, head of Costa communications, said: "Costa, the nation's favourite coffee shop brand, is pleased to announce that it is opening a brand new store in the Dunfermline Debenhams store development on 11th August, which will bring eight new jobs to the local area. Costa is looking forward to being a part of the local community, getting involved with events; providing the store as a meeting place and helping with fundraising."