Like all towns Beccles is facing a slew of high street closures.

News that Shoe Zone is pulling out of the town centre after a decade means it becomes the third retailer to announce it will quit the town in recent weeks, as well as the branch of HSBC.

Prezzos has announced its immediate closure, HSBC and Iceland will both close in June and Shoe Zone has not confirmed when its store will shut.

So what does the closure of high street branches mean for the town?

Beccles mayor Barry Darch says that the string of closures is a "concern" though he is confident that the rich history of shopping in the town will continue.

He said: "Recent store closures are a very real concern for residents, other businesses and councillors.  

"It is also, of course, particularly sad that people are losing their jobs at a time of high inflation and pressure on family budgets. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Beccles mayor Barry DarchBeccles mayor Barry Darch (Image: Charlotte James Photography)

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"Energy costs have no doubt impacted the viability of shops, and I urge landlords to be as reasonable as they can be when setting rents for retail premises.  

"Beccles remains a great place to shop.  

"It has been heartening to see new shops opening in the last few months and doing well. 

"But we all have a part to play in supporting our local businesses if we want Beccles to thrive as a market town, as it has done for a thousand years.  

"I expect that the new council that will take office early in May will be keen to consider what it can do."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Prezzo's has closed its Beccles branch with immediate effectPrezzo's has closed its Beccles branch with immediate effect (Image: Angela Sharpe)

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Charlotte Moore, chair of the Beccles Business and Tourism Association, says while some chains are pulling out, many independent businesses are expanding.

She said: "Although the recent announcements of shop closures in Beccles can seem alarming, there's plenty of movement with independents expanding and moving into larger properties, like Field 2 Fork Grocers and Forever Inked Tattoo and Piercing as well as new businesses in town such as Huus and Two Magpies Bakery Cafe.

"Also, the old Laura Ashley Building is now being renovated by Life Church Beccles to become a space to share with the community.

"Right now, what Beccles needs more than ever is for everybody to shop local as much as possible, that way we can keep it the thriving bustle of independent shops on the River Waveney that Beccles is so well known for."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Laura Ashley, next to Iceland, has been closed for a number of yearsLaura Ashley, next to Iceland, has been closed for a number of years (Image: Bruno Brown)

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Waveney MP Peter Aldous says Beccles has lots going for it amid concerns over high street closuresWaveney MP Peter Aldous says Beccles has lots going for it amid concerns over high street closures (Image: Richard Townshend Photography)

Despite the string of closures Waveney MP Peter Aldous says that Beccles still has "lots going for it" and will adapt to the evolving high street trends.

He said: "These closures come as a blow, we cannot disguise that and my thoughts are with those who will lose their jobs.

"I do not think there is an underlying problem in Beccles, the town actually has lots going for it, positive things and the town is really unique.

"We have a change in high street patterns which has been accelerated by the pandemic and exacerbated by the cost of living crisis.

"Working with the town council, district councils and local traders I hope that the vacant premises can be addressed to create more sustainable businesses operating.

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Iceland at Newgate opposite Tesco, is to close its doors on June 27Iceland at Newgate opposite Tesco, is to close its doors on June 27 (Image: Bruno Brown)

"The business community in Beccles is actually very strong, with a great community, so if action is taken and business rates can be reduced to more sensible levels the town really can blossom again.

"Tackling business rates is something I am working hard to do in parliament, and hopefully a solution can be found." 

Though Shoe Zone, Iceland, Prezzo and HSBC are closing, Beccles still has an array of chains.

Chains such as Lidl, Morrisons, Tesco, Greggs, and Wetherspoons are all present in the town.