Shoppers have spoken of their sadness after it emerged that a newsagent in the city centre had gone up for sale. The lease of City Express, at 18 Exchange Walk, off Old Market Square, is being marketed on Rightmove.
According to the listing, the shop was established in the 1930s and was taken over by the current owners in 2014. Shoppers said they’ve always remembered it being in the city centre and that they hoped that it would remain as a convenience store.
Greg Bailey, a 49-year-old construction worker from St Ann's, told Nottinghamshire Live that he wants it to stay the same. Mr Bailey said: “It’s been there for years. It’s sad to see it go.
Read More: Police officer stabbed in buttock during arrest in Nottingham street
“It has become a part of a tradition within the town. It’s always been there. I’ve been in Nottingham for 49 years and I’ve never not remembered it being here. It’s sad. I think it should remain a convenience store - there’s not one close around here. I think it should remain.” The asking price for the leasehold is listed as almost £50,000.
Another shopper, nurse Elaine Stevenson, 61, from St Ann’s, said there weren't many convenience stores in the area. She said: “It’s sad really. I’ve known it to be here for quite a few years now.
“There’s not any shops near here. I know there’s one near Maid Marian Way - I think for local people who work in town that's a five or 10 minute walking distance. It would be nice to still have it - it would be sad to see it go. It sells flowers and everything as well.”
Shopper, Barbra Mills, who is 81 and retired, was also saddened by the news, saying she often bought a newspaper from the shop. She said: "You can grab a drink and grab some sweets.
“I think it’s quite sad really. A lot of shops in Nottingham are going up for sale." Nottinghamshire Live approached the owner at the kiosk - however they did not want to comment.
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
