NEWTOWN’S economy was dealt a morale sapping blow this week after a national retailer announced it is shutting up shop.
Currys, based at 7-8 Broad Street, has confirmed it is closing its Newtown store with the loss of seven jobs.
A spokesman for the firm said it has not yet confirmed a date for closure and that it would be looking into the possibility of offering its staff employment at alternative stores.
He said: “Regrettably, the CurrysDigital store in Newtown will be closing as a part of our ongoing review of our high street store portfolio. The closure date has not yet been agreed.”
Glyn Davies, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate, said the loss of Curry’s highlighted the need for regeneration of Newtown’s town centre, citing plans to refurbish the Market Hall as the perfect example.
He said: “The loss of Curry’s from Newtown’s shopping centre is a hugely damaging blow, particularly when taken together with the recent loss of Woolworths from the town. These are nationally known brand names which attract customers to the shopping centre, providing a wider benefit for everyone.
“Newtown Town Centre desperately needs a major boost and the most effective way to do that is through refurbishment of the Market Hall.
“More than eight million pounds was paid to the Powys Council by Tesco for the Old Smithfield site, and there could be no better way to invigorate the local economy of Newtown than by investing some of that money in restoring the Market Hall to its glory days.”