Peacocks confirms closure date of another UK store after more than 20 years – as shoppers slam ‘dead’ town centre

PEACOCKS has confirmed the closure date of another UK store after more than 20 years. With the clothing chain set to disappear from the high street, residents are concerned for the future of the town centre. The Peacocks branch in Pontypool is set to close next month in another blow to the high street Credit: Google Maps The closure has concerned local residents, with many fearful for the future of the town centre Credit: Graphicscoco Peacocks in Pontypool is set to shutter in a matter of weeks in another fresh blow to the high street. The flagship store, located on Crane Street, has been open for more than 20 years but will now close its doors on Wednesday, August 19. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Shoppers will soon have to travel five miles away to the nearest Peacocks store, located in the Cwmbran Shopping Centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in Wales. A spokesperson for Peacocks told South Wales Argus: “After more than 20 years in Pontypool, the decision was not taken lightly, and we would like to thank our customers and the local community for their support over the years. “We are currently consulting with colleagues regarding the closure and are supporting them through the process. “We are not able to comment on the future plans for the building, as this is a matter for the landlord and/or new owner. “While we do not have any immediate plans to return to Pontypool, we would not rule out the possibility of Peacocks returning to the area in the future should a suitable opportunity arise.” With the clothing chain set to disappear from the high street, many locals and other shop owners are fearful that reasons to visit the town centre are dwindling for existing shoppers. Most read in Money According to Nation Cymru, a local shopkeeper described the town centre as “dead”, while a cafe employee working on a Tuesday lunchtime admitted: “I’ve not served one customer yet today. We’ve prepared all this food but there are no customers.” Tania Britten, who owns The Craft Cabin in the centre, expressed the importance of Peacocks to the town centre. “Footfall is already down,” she said. “Peacocks is the only shop, even for people living in Pontypool, to attract people to come to the town.” Paul Evans, who runs the Man Cave & Boy Zone stall, said he fears the closure will have a big impact on the town centre. “Footfall through Pontypool is dire at the moment and this would affect the number of people coming into Pontypool and people will just bypass the town and they will go to Cwmbran. Many more traders and residents are fearful of the effect this closure may have on the town centre and how it could drive customers away. Torfaen Borough Council has said that it is committed to supporting town centres and ensuring Pontypool is “at the heart of the community” for future generations. Work is currently underway to convert a derelict church into an events space, hoping to attract more visitors to the town. A council spokeswoman said: “Store closures are commercial decisions for the businesses involved, however, the council is committed to supporting Pontypool town centre and creating the conditions for businesses to thrive. “For example, significant investment is planned for the southern entrance along Hanbury Road later this year, thanks to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, and a number of town centre properties have been improved and re-let through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Town grants. “Town centres are no longer defined solely by retail and our ambition is to create towns that are vibrant and combine culture, leisure, food, hospitality and community activity. Comment now