Blackburn shopping street ‘loses its heart’ (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn shopping street ‘loses its heart’

2:36pm Monday 12th January 2009

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By Tom Moseley »

THE ‘heart and soul’ is being ripped out of one of Blackburn’s main shopping areas with the proposed closure of Mercer’s, according to traders.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed last week the retail arm of Mercer’s would close in 30 days, subject to a consultation, with bosses blaming the credit crunch.

Now traders neighbouring the much-loved complex in Northgate – which sells toys, household goods and hardware - said they were devastated.

They blamed falling customer numbers, parking, the town’s Orbital Route and the lack of help for local businesses.

Zaniul Chandia, manager of Northgate News, added: “it’s very sad. This is going to rip the heart and soul out of Northgate.”

Brian Schofield, owner of Zodiac body piercing and tattoist, said: “It will mark the end of a era when the store closes.

“We have been established in Blackburn for 10 years and moved here from the Mall two years ago because the rates were too high and sales were dropping. There just isn’t any help for traders.”

Mohamed Peeru, manager of Blakey Moor Convenience Store, said: “All the staff that Mercer’s employ use this shop. We are going to be devastated by this.”

Shirley Blundell, vol-unteer at Age Concern, said: “I have been here for 11 years and can see that it will have a huge impact on us because Mercers customers have to walk past this shop which we benefit from. It’s going to be dead on here.”

Alan Fish, owner of the Refreshment Bar, said: “The fundamental reason this has happened is that it’s down to the people of Blackburn and down to the council.

“The council encourages supermarkets and out of town shopping but how can we compete with free parking?

"We don’t expect things for free but we expect some help.”

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