Stores stay empty as another owner shuts her business

By reporter01

THREE Uttoxeter shops have now closed since the start of the year – leaving more premises empty.

The Bra Shop, in Market Place, became the latest casualty in the town centre.

Priory Books and Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe's store have also stopped trading this year.

About 21 of Uttoxeter's 142 retail units are now empty according to the Local Data Company.

Priory Books, in Market Place, shut after 11 months in business.

Owner Mandy Harvey set up the independent store in April, despite the announcement WHSmith had snapped up the former Woolworths shop in High Street.

She decided not to renew the year-long lease earlier this month.

Confectionery specialists Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, in High Street, has followed suit.

A sign saying "This shop has now closed" was put up in the window about a fortnight ago.

The premises has now been emptied of goods.

And the Bra Shop has also shut after just five months in business.

It was set up by Yvonne Whitbread, who was unavailable for comment, and the reasons for the closure are unknown.

Deputy town mayor CouncillorDavid Brookes believes the financial state of the town contributed to the closure of businesses.

He said: "Uttoxeter is very vulnerable to the recession and it is very unfortunate that we are losing businesses like this.

"We are in very dire financial times at the moment and I cannot predict how the economy is going to go, but there is a very limited amount of credit available for businesses to access.

"There is a not enough confidence for people to invest in the town."

David Hunter, chairman of the newly-formed Uttoxeter Business Forum, insisted the town was doing better than other comparable places.

He said: "We knew that the book store was not here to stay anyway, and already we have someone interested in taking over the unit."

The 46-year-old, who runs Indulgence Coffee Lounge in the Lion Buildings, added: "Despite these closures, the town is still doing very well. We are ahead of any other market town.

"It is a tough time for everyone, but it has been proved that more people are investing in the town.

"Chanterelle closed down in December and already the unit has been filled.

"It goes to show that people are recognising Uttoxeter is a town with good prospects."

Chanterelle perfumery, in High Street, closed before the pre-Christmas rush.

It was replaced by Marshalls Jewellers this month.