Locals must return to high street to stop decline

THE closure of DR Simpson in Wick and Jim Bews in Thurso was yesterday described as “a real shame” by a local business leader.

Trudy Morris, chief executive officer for Caithness Chamber of Commerce, made the comment after it was confirmed the two shops are to close today after a long association with both towns.

“It is a real shame that another two long-established businesses are closing. If we are to stop this decline in our high streets, shoppers need to be encouraged to shop locally whether that’s through unique offerings, discounts, friendly and outstanding customer service or going the extra mile because it really is a case of use it or lose it,” said Ms Morris.

“Retail is still a sector which is struggling with consumers having less in their pockets with ever-increasing food and fuel prices. Small independent retailers are still competing with the internet and superstores so they need to continually look at ways to attract shoppers.

“We have already seen new shop Carrots recently open in Thurso, offering something completely different to the high street so we hope this encourages others to have aspirations to do the same.”

Former Thurso community council chairman Don Smith said the closure of Jim Bews would be “a loss to the town”.

“It is sad to see any business close and jobs being lost. The closure means there will be another empty property in Thurso. They are beginning to build up. I have never seen it as bad as this before and there is probably more to come,” he said.

Mr Smith hopes the building will have a future use. “It is in a prominent site but I personally would not like to see it turned into another restaurant, coffee shop or charity shop,” he added.

Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council chairman Niall Smith yesterday said the closure of DR Simpson was “a very sad loss”.

“It is a landmark building in the centre of the town and its closure could have a very negative impact and comes just after the loss of two or three other local shops,” Mr Smith told the Caithness Courier.

However, he is hopeful the building could have a future. “What we need is someone with a business idea to come along and invest in the town. Perhaps we also need to think about other ways of using the town centre,” he said.

“I am not despondent at this stage. It is a very attractive building in a very good location. It is very regrettable it has had to close but I think there is hope for its future.”

The closure of DR Simpson was discussed at a meeting of the local community council on Monday night.

Member Wendy Campbell said: “It will be a big miss because lots of people used it. It took people into the town to get their papers.”

Secretary Joanna Coghill stated: “It’s a shame and it will be missed.”

Fiona Taylor added: “They tried hard to make it work. They’ve done lots of different things to keep it going.”