‘This time it has been so quiet’
TOWN’S TRADERS SAY THIRD LOCKDOWN IS DIFFERENT TO THE FIRST
OWNERS and employees of shops in Arnold have spoken of the impact from lockdown nearly a year on since the start of the pandemic.
Many spoke fondly of the once “thriving” area with its array of shops and bustling market.
But the effects of a third national lockdown have forced shutters to come down for most.
For the few businesses still operating, there is a feeling the journey to recovery for Arnold will be a long one.
Kate Dennis has worked at Café Amelia in Front Street for nearly five years and described the drastic change from “thriving” area to “a ghost town”.
“We used to be open seven days a week, we’d have more than 20 tables, it would be absolutely heaving,” she added.
“It was a great atmosphere before Covid with all the local people we had. I am missing a lot of our clientele, especially as many are older they aren’t getting out now.
“But we have been doing home deliveries so they can still have their Sunday roasts.
“With this lockdown, I just see the odd shopper go past, especially with it being so cold now. The weather was nice in the first lockdown.
“I think my boss has done really well to keep the staff here in full time work, just turning our hands to different things.
“It’s sad to see the loss of so many shops in Arnold - it’s like a ghost town. I think it’s really just taken a toll on the whole community and I feel the morale of customers getting lower. We are gradually moving on but will the high street ever get back to what it was?”
Dayne Lowe, assistant manager at MSR Newsgroup in Front Street, said: “In the first lockdown we were much busier. This time it has been so quiet, it’s been totally different.
“I feel this time older people are ending to stay at home.
“Our trade is definitely down compared with last year. Arnold is declining anyway, there are a lot of empty units now and it’s not very appealing.
“I haven’t been seeing many new faces come in the shop.
“Having the other businesses closed is impacting us I think, even Saturdays aren’t busy anymore.
“I believe work is starting on the new market next week, so while that is carried out it is being temporarily moved opposite the shop so it might be better for us then. Really, it’s not just about shops reopening after lockdown - we need to get the empty units filled too.”
Manager at Rowbottoms butchers and deli, Tara Blencowe, said the business hadn’t suffered too badly, despite the drop in footfall.
“Half the businesses are shut or going and so I think people are just coming to get what they need,” she said. “And with no sign of rents dropping and people using online shopping more, I don’t know how that will change.
“The market used to be heaving but now you’re lucky if there’s one stall, it’s just dwindled and there’s no take up. It feels like people are taking this lockdown more seriously, whereas the first seemed like it was more of an inconvenience. It’s definitely more worrying to people now.
“But people do still want to enjoy what they can which, while they can’t go out, they want to have good food at home.”
Amrit Sabharwal, owner at K and A Bargains, said after six years in business he is waiting for his lease to end.
“This lockdown there has been much less people about and no spending,” he said. “Everyone is finding it so difficult. I have seen so many shops going - people used to come for the market from all over but there’s nothing on it now. I applied for support but have not been successful.
“How long can people survive like this? I have been very lucky with my loyal customers and the community is doing its best to support us.
“But now, I just feel I would rather be told to close, because I would get more help. I am taking a risk coming into work every day and still trying to cover rent and bills. I am just waiting for the lease to end so I can leave.”