Fears are growing that more 'struggling' businesses will close on one of Notts' best high streets. Mapperley Top has a variety of independent businesses from florists to travel agents and there is plenty of choice for food and drink.
Shoppers have labelled the suburb's high street the best locally in the past, but the energy crisis, combined with the cost-of-living crisis and inflation has worried businesses. This comes after the owners of Holy Cannoli, on Mapperley Top, announced on Facebook that it would close down.
Those working on the high street feared more shops and eateries might be forced to close as 2023 begins. Kirsty Allen, 34, who works in The Plains fish bar, said businesses were worried about what the New Year would bring.
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"Businesses are really struggling at the moment. It has not been the same since Covid and I think more businesses will have to go, it was sad seeing Holy Cannoli shut," Ms Allen said.
"I think Mapperley Top has gone downhill a bit, there is nothing drawing people in and it is very quiet. I think there are too many food places and charity shops here too."
Nikki Bradley, 51, who works at Iris Blue gift shop, said: "It is [the high street] struggling, a lot of which has been brought on by Covid.
"The New Year will be very telling I think. Shops are having a lot of supply side problems and the inflation is noticeable and that puts people off.
"I think it is still fairly busy up here, but if costs keep going up that won't save some businesses. I think Christmas will be different up here."
The former Greggs unit has been empty since 2021, while the closed Barclays and TSB banks remain vacant. This is despite a plan to turn the former TSB branch into a pub, which was rejected by Gedling Borough Council but has now been reapplied for.
Another business appreciated the problems facing their neighbours but remained upbeat about their prospects. Lewis Smith, 28, part of Smith Family Butchers on Mapperley Top, said: "I think there will be more closures in the future. But I think there will be trouble everywhere for business.
"We were sad when Holy Cannoli left as they were lovely people. There are a few empty units on the high street here, but I think at the minute it is still a good place to shop.
"Because of what we do and with us being a family business, a lot of people who came during Covid when they didn't want to travel and have stuck with us. We're still busy, on the weekends and at this time of year in particular."
Gedling Borough Council's leader said helping town centres thrive was one of the authority's top priorities. Councillor John Clarke, said: "One of our main priorities as a council is to create thriving and vibrant town centres, and supporting small and independent businesses across the borough is a key part of this.
"We know how difficult the last few years have been for our high streets, that’s why our Economic Development team and our Small Business Advisor have been working with businesses all across the borough to offer help and advice as well as hosting training workshops.
"This week we announced that the council was successful in bidding for £2.9m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We’ll be looking to use part of that funding to create a new dedicated retail advisor role to further support business throughout the borough.
"We also have plans to organise more events across our town centres to help increase footfall to our high streets and encourage residents to shop locally to support businesses who play a vital role within our community.”
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