The closure of a Connells branch in the Suffolk market town of Bury St Edmunds (above) has come despite figures from its local authority showing an increase in footfall to the town.

Just before Christmas Connells revealed that it was to close its office in The Traverse and would transfer its operations to the town’s William H Brown branch, and has denied that the closure is part of a wider plan to slim down its office numbers.

Despite a 4% increase in footfall reported last year compared to the year before, the recent opening of a flagship Debenhams store and £10 million invested in its tourism industry, two more Bury retailers have now also announced that they are either moving or going online no top of two large retailers that also recently exited its town centre.

This includes a well-known shoe shop that has been in the town for a  decade. It is now moving to an online sales model instead, while a hairdresser close to Connells is moving to more affordable premises away from Bury centre.

Last week the government announced a the opening of its £675 million fund designed to transform town centres and make them ‘fit for the future’ including to help fill empty shops, improve transport links  and convert former shops into new homes. Towns like Bury St Edmunds are invited to bid for the funding.

“We all know high streets are changing, we can’t hide from this reality. But we’re determined to ensure they continue sit at the heart of our communities for generations to come,” said High Street Minister Jake Berry (left).

The Negotiator approached Connells for comment has yet to receive a reply.

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