High street shop closures 'a big worry' for town

Residents and business owners in a Wiltshire town have expressed their concerns over the future of the high street after a series of shop closures.

Several businesses have recently shut in Devizes, including the gift shops Emporium and Expressions, and the charity shop Scope.

People in Devizes say the situation has not been helped by the continued closure of Northgate Street, one of the key routes into town, which has been partially shut since November due to a fire at a kebab shop.

Sam Holliday from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: "I'm afraid it isn't just Devizes, it's across the country. Our high streets are really struggling."

Concerns include a lack of variety on the high street and shops closing early due to lack of footfall.

Ian Williams from fabric shop, Shamrock Linens, described the situation as "very sad for the town", adding that he felt car parking charges in the town centre had pushed shoppers to out-of-town shopping centres.

"I think when shops go it takes a bit of the heart of the town out," he added.

The relocation of the bus stop away from Northgate Street due to the road closure was also highlighted as an issue, as it makes it more difficult for residents with mobility issues to get into the town centre.

It had been planned for the road to reopen fully in March, but it has been delayed.

Richard Staker, from gaming shop Level Up said: "The road was closed fully for six weeks (after the fire) so that had a massive impact.

"Now it is starting to pick up but it's still having a big impact with one-way traffic. There is a big worry for the future that it could be one of the next towns that becomes deserted."

Mr Holliday, FSB development manager for Gloucestershire and the West of England, said: "They (businesses) had to get through COVID and since then, there's been one issue after another."

He added that it was "vital" that customers continue supporting small businesses.

"I still belong to a generation that believes the high street is the heart of the community. So we've really got to do everything we can to be part of that," said Mr Holliday.

Wiltshire Council said it was working with the owners of the properties damaged by the fire so that the road could open fully but there is currently no confirmed date.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.