CONCERNS have been raised about the impact that the closure of Woolworths will have on trade in Stroud.

The large shop, in King Street, which is in a prime location, has gone into administration along with the rest of the company and looks set to close in the new year.

Carole Garfield, chairman of Stroud's chamber of trade and commerce, said: "We are obviously very concerned that a major site in the town centre will be left empty.

"This site is an important gateway to the town, as identified in the Public Realm Strategy.

"We are not only concerned about the site itself but also the loss of jobs in Stroud.

"We would love the unit to provide a service to the people of Stroud or be used to show Stroud's unique approach to shopping.

Andrew Watton, a commercial estate agent in the town, said: "I am very sad to see Woolworths close.

"But something will come from the ashes of Woolworths.

"The fact that there will be an empty shop in a prime location in Stroud does not reflect well on the town.

"I feel very sorry for the staff who have worked in Woolworths for a long time, as I know some of them well – it's a great shame."

A sign in the shop's window says that Neville Kahn, Dan Butters and Nick Dargan of Deloitte and Touche LLP are joint administrators of Woolworths PLC and will manage the affairs, business and property of the company.

The branch is one of 815 Woolworths stores affected by the news that the company has gone into administration.Administrators are searching for a buyer.

* What are your fondest memories of Woolworths? What will the closure mean for Stroud?

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