Bitter blow to town centre local economy as three shops close

Business owner Dean Woodland has been forced to close Brown’s Hardware store in Silver Street after eight years and Granny Mo’s Deli next door has also closed.

In another blow, the Bathrooms at No. 5 retail shop in The Shambles is also available to let after the business owner announced it was closing.

The shop property to let sign above Bathrooms at No.5 in The Shambles. Photo: Trevor Porter 69988-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Woodland, owner of Browns Hardware, left a 'permanently closed' notice in his shop window.

He said: "I regret to inform you that Browns Hardware has now ceased trading.

“Increasing overheads, coupled with a significant reduction in footfall and sales post-Covid has forced us to make the difficult decision to close.

“I would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support over the past eight years.

Dean Woodland's closure notice in the Browns Hardware shop window. Photo: Trevor Porter 69988-4 (Image: Trevor Porter)

“Please continue to support the local independent businesses in town. I wish you all well and thank you for your custom.”

The owners of Granny Mo’s Deli and the Bathrooms at No. 5 retail businesses were not contactable for comment.

Jackie Allan, of the Piha fashion shop in Lamb Yard, said that change was inevitable as long as older businesses ran their course and new businesses came into the town.

"There is a natural turnover of people as they come to the end of their business time. This allows new people to come into the town and I think that's a good thing.

"The important thing is that people do their research. If they know their business and work with other people they will succeed."

Mrs Allan said that Bradford on Avon Town Council needs to work with its local business community for the town's benefit.

"By working together, they will build a new community and give people confidence."

Ironically, Bradford on Avon Town Council staged a business forum drop-in event on Tuesday (July 18) at St Margaret’s Hall to see what support local businesses require.

A spokesperson said: “We’re inviting local business owners and managers to join us to offer comments and ideas on the future for business development and support in Bradford on Avon.”

The forum gave those attending the opportunity to review the results of a recent business survey and take a look at economic development research.

The event was facilitated by Ian Nockolds, of Cognisant Research, an independent market research agency based in Bath.