Another shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme has announced plans to close as the borough council proceeds with plans to demolish York Place.

Kirkham's Jewellers on Merrial Street has been a staple in the town since it opened 25 years ago, however they have now been told to vacate their premises by 31 March. This is to allow for the demolition of York Place which the authority is hoping to be completed by Christmas, 2023.

Paul Kirkham from Kirkham Jewellers said: "I think it is absolutely diabolical what the council are doing to the town centre, they are destroying the retail side of things.

"A lot of people are going out of business left, right and centre. There are too many drug addicts in the town, alcoholics and homeless people and they are not doing much about it.

"I don't know why they are building more car parks because people are leaving the town because of all the problems"

The Jewellers had an exterior window which faces Astley Walk but since that closed a few weeks ago it is estimated that Kirkham's have lost 40 percent of their business.

The front of the shop is adorned with a sign saying "another nail in the coffin for town centre shopping

Kirkham's have considered moving to a new location in Newcastle but say the rents are 'extremely' expensive and it is difficult to find premises with the security requirements they need. 

Shoppers agree, Judy Lowe from Westlands said: "This used to be a thriving little town and they have destroyed it. It's such a shame. I drive through Newcastle and go to Leek instead because there are plenty of independent shops and you feel safe"

While another added: "It is dreadful here, it is really sad. I remember coming to this town for a day out and now it isn't worth staying for 30 minutes."

Many of the existing shops which were located on York place have closed or relocated, recently Clive Mark Schoolwear relocated to Lancaster Buildings away from York Place.

The council were awarded £3 million from the Future High Street Fund to fund the purchase and demolition of the complex. The authority bought the complex in March 2021 and is now moving on to the next stage of the scheme which will see demolition work start in June 2023 and be completed by Christmas.

York Place artists impression (Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council).

The York Place project will see two four-storey blocks, the ground floors are made up of food and beverage or retail space, with the rest of the floors being used office space. There will also be a public open space and an open link between Ironmarket and Merrial Street.

Cllr. Stephen Sweeney, Cabinet member for finance, town centres and growth, said: "Redeveloping York Place, an underoccupied and outdated arcade in poor condition, will enable better connectivity between a redeveloped Ryecroft and the High Street/Ironmarket and provide greater footfall in an underused part of town. Although the majority of town centre retail units are privately owned, we appreciate our tenants and are in regular contact with those affected to provide help and support.

"The reasons why people use high streets have changed due to multiple trends including the growth of out-of-town retail, the rise of megastores, the Covid pandemic and a seismic shift towards online shopping. This presents real challenges to vulnerable high streets across the country.

"We're making great strides in breathing new life into our historic market and we welcome and support excellent efforts by other organisations, including Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and Appetite, to make the town centre more vibrant."

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