Practice shuts after six decades
SHOPPERS SADDENED AS OPTICIANS CLOSES ITS DOORS FOR LAST TIME
RESIDENTS of a Derbyshire town have expressed their sadness after an independent optician, a stalwart of the area’s high street for more than 60 years, closed its doors.
A notice on the well-known doors of Stanley H Fields Optometrists, which operated from Church Street in Alfreton, reads: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, this practice is now closed. Thank you.”
According to the same notice, the practice closed for good on July 22.
Now residents say that they regret the loss of the opticians, adding that it is another sad example of a high street business closing its doors.
Walking by the now closed shop, local farmer Dave, who was in town with his wife Sarah, said: “I’m not sure why it’s closed. It’s sad to see a business like that go when it’s been there for so long. So many have gone because of all this online stuff.”
Cheryl Kellett, 53, who works at a jeweller’s in the town, said: “I’m sorry to see it go. There’s just no investment here, and no incentive for shop owners.
“It’s a shame because of the potential Alfreton has. It’s got the A38, M1 and the train station – it’s central to everyone in the country.
“There are good people who work in Alfreton, but we’re fighting a losing
battle. There’s also the transport like the buses that has been cut.”
Not long after Cheryl had finished speaking, Simona York, 45, was left confused after hoping to visit Stanley H Fields to book an appointment.
The chemical engineer said: “I haven’t been before, but I have a problem with my eyes that I wanted to check. I heard this place was the best nearby, so I thought I’d go here.”
The Derby Telegraph has attempted to contact Stanley H Fields for comment.