Two shops have been standing empty in Witham's high street for months, and two more are to close soon.

But trade is still healthy, and the town has more shops than ever before to serve its population of 25,000, says a town watchdog group.

The former Co-op electronics store in Newland Street closed this spring and is now up for sale, as is the former newsagent's at the junction with Guithavon Street.

Now Fads, which has supplied DIY enthusiasts for nearly 20 years, is to close tomorrow (Saturday), and Hollyhocks, a small arts and gifts shop in Chipping Hill, is also about to close.

Fads is one of a number of flourishing branches to be shut down as part of a streamlining exercise by the nationwide chain. The premises are owned by bookmakers Coral and will soon be available for rent.

The closure of Hollyhocks brought a note of sympathy from John Palombi, chairman of the watchdog, Witham and Countryside Society.

He deplored the demise of so many small, independent shops while major chains stores multiplied Small shopkeepers paid council tax and business rates, plus VAT, charges on cheques, credit and debit cards, insurance and accountants' fees, he said

"It is indeed sad to see shops that try to offer something out of the ordinary unable to continue," said Mr Palomb.

However, the society's bulletin secretary, Sylvia Saunders, said its latest survey showed that there were more shops in Witham now than ever before.

Published Friday, June 20, 2003

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