A major store in Bulwell has now closed despite local fears that the town will be 'dead' once it closed. Boots on Commercial Road had announced it would close in August but the exact date was unknown.
Boots reported that the closure was the result of customer demand and other store locations but did admit the step was 'unfortunate.' There has been a number of brands that have left the area such as NatWest which is close to the Boots store.
The store has shutters down on one side and a large notice in the window to let customers know it is now closed. Locals say that it officially closed on Monday, August 15. There are other shuttered shops including Argos on Holborn Place and Budget Wise also on Commercial Road which have closed in the past two years.
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Locals said that the closure of the store would contribute to the decline of the high street. Kevin Pritchard, 67, and Elizabeth-Ann Pritchard, 64, from Bulwell, thought Boots leaving would continue what they saw as a decline of the town's high street.
"We have already had a lot of shops leave. It's going to end up being a dead town. We have got next to nothing anymore. It is going to make life harder for the people who can't get around as well, and it's a big brand, the fact it's Boots who are Nottingham-based makes it even worse."
Boots sent a statement confirming that the store was set to close earlier this year. A spokesperson said: "At Boots UK, we continually review our store locations to make sure they are where our customers need us most. It is never a decision we take lightly when looking to close a store."
They added: "Unfortunately we have taken the decision to close the store on Commercial Road in Bulwell and can confirm the store will be closing in August 2022. Our stores at Bestwood Park and Aspley Lane will remain open and will continue to offer pharmacy services to our customers."
Nottingham city council has placed a bid to the government's Levelling Up Scheme to help the regeneration of Bulwell Town centre. The council said it sits in the 10th most deprived constituency in England. If the bid is successful then it could continue to the development of a new Bulwell Promenade, green spaces and public realm alongside the River Leen.
It could also mean improvements to the historic market place along with public transport.
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