Nailsea continues to turn into ghost town as rates squeeze business out

The death toll of small businesses in Nailsea town continues to rise as rates, rent and falling business force more shops to shut.

Doors are continuing to shut in the town, with gift shop Heritage becoming the latest victim, and the Toy Shop not far behind, as it continues to sell the last of its stock with a 50 per cent discount.

One shop keeper who asked not to be names said: “Shops have been shutting at a steady rate over the last 12 months, and it is not all down to the recession. Many are being forced out over high rates and rents, and what was once a busy shopping centre in the area is becoming desolate and empty and premises are not being filled. More has to be done to help local businesses all they will all eventually fold one by one.”

Local Nailsea resident Nathan Matlocke, pondering the latest loss of Heritage said: “It is getting a bit ridiculous. If something is not done to support local businesses, soon there will be none left. I choose to use local shops and veg shops rather than the supermarkets, but soon there will be no choice left.”