Two prominent Melton town centre shops announce closure

The news is a blow for the town centre with businesses hoping to kick-start the local economy following an easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

There has been uncertainty over the future in the town of Clintons, which has remained closed since non-essential shops were told to shut to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Stock had been removed from the Nottingham Street store and shutters were up across the windows despite all shops being allowed to reopen again last month.

A representative for Clintons told the Melton Times this afternoon (Wednesday): “Following the sale of the business to Esquire Retail Limited in December 2019, we are reviewing the leases in our store portfolio.

“We can confirm that the store in Melton Mowbray has closed as we were unable to agree commercial terms to support the long term viability of the store.

“In this case, the terms of the lease renewal for our Melton Mowbray store were cost prohibitive and we have been forced to take the difficult decision to close the store.

“Our staff have been informed and we will make every effort to redeploy staff members wherever possible.”

Budget store, Poundland, is understood to be closing its Sherrard Street store next month.

A spokesperson confirmed plans to leave the town, commenting: “We’re sad to be leaving Melton Mowbray.

“Unfortunately, our landlord served notice on us.

“We’d love to return because we know customers are disappointed that we’ve had to go.”