The rebirth of Brentwood's town centre has already been tarnished - with the proposed closure of two established High Street shops prompting fears for the future.

Just days after local business people and councillors came together and launched the Brentwood Town Partnership to breathe new life into the ailing High Street, Archers Butchers and Hamells Ladies Fashion both confirmed that they have been forced to consider shutting for good.

The planned closure of two more of the High Street's traditional specialist stores has resurrected concerns that customers are being deprived of choice and could be driven away unless something is done.

Frank Wildman, executive secretary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are certainly concerned, and if there is anything we can do to maintain the variety of the High Street, we will have a crack at it.

"What we need is specialist shops, so that when we try to persuade people to come to the High Street, we can offer the variety they demand when they come."

Cllr Dave Kendall, chairman of the Brentwood Town Forum, agreed: ''The loss of any traditional retail outlet is always disappointing, but it is something I see happening more and more in the future.

"But the danger is that people will see nothing but doom and gloom.

"Yes it is disappointing, but a number of positive things are also happening, including the forthcoming development of Hart Street and the refurbishment of Chapel High."

Alan White, owner of Archers, has decided to close the shop to concentrate on his Norfolk-based home delivery business.

He explained: "The High Street is not what it was, and Sainsbury's has not helped. It tends to draw customers away from the High Street. Home delivery is where the future is, not in running a shop."

At Hamells, eight people will lose their jobs on March 25 when the 72 store chain ceases trading because of a downturn in sales nationwide.

Manager Janice Skelhorn said: "We were actually doing quite nicely, so it's come as a bit of a shock to us. It will be a very, very sad day for me. I joined the company to open this branch in 1985 and I will be the one to close it as well."

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