Business is looking to move into ex-grocers

THE former home of a longestablished grocers in Hinckley’s high street could soon be reopening with a new business.

Independent grocers Caves, in Castle Street, closed in October 2019, after more than 50 years selling fruit and veg. Now a sign has appeared above the unit to say it is under offer.

Wards Chartered Surveyors is handling the lease for the property. The Mercury contacted Wards to ask who was looking to take on the space, but was told the offer is still at a very early stage.

Several units in Castle Street have become vacant since the first coronavirus lockdown, including Thorntons, H Samuel jewellers, Spanish restaurant Café Español and, recently, Game and Dorothy Perkins.

However, Steve Wegerif of Hinckley BID (Business Improvement District) said the town’s trade had fared well despite the impact of the Covid restrictions.

He said: “We have had 20 new businesses move into the town since the pandemic began.

“Compared to other towns, we have done well, there’s at least six units under offer.”

Footfall in the town centre for the first week after non-essential shops re-opened on April 12 increased by 231 per cent compared to last year.

The figure was higher than the national year-on-year increase of 175 per cent, compared to the same time last year.

A series of free family events is being organised in hopes to attract more visitors to the town centre as the restrictions ease, including a Summer of Fun, running in July and August.