Residents anger over more shop closures
“You might as well block off the street.”
That’s the view of one resident following the announcement that WHSmith will be the latest business to leave Wishaw’s Main Street.
Following the announcement, the Wishaw Press asked residents how they felt about another big store leaving the town centre.
Terry Mullen, 71, can’t believe the state of the Main Street. He said:“I remember when this used to be a thriving town but it just isn’t the case any more.
“You might as well block the street off at the top and the bottom because it’s a disaster.
“Eight million has been spent on doing up this street but that’s no good when there are no shops left.
“I worry as to how it will look in a couple of years because there’s no big stores left anymore.”
Helen Morrison believes the move is a big blow to the already struggling Main Street. Helen said:“I’ve been here a long time and it seems like all we’re hearing is businesses leaving and nothing coming in.
“We can’t afford to let these shops go because there’s already so many empty spaces.
“I use WHSmith from time to time and it will be a big loss.”
Aine McFarlane thinks the closure will push shoppers further away from Wishaw. She said:“I’ve found myself going off to places like the Forge because I can just jump on the bus and get everything I need there.
“A lot more people will want to leave and go to other places because they can offer more.”
One shopper, who asked not to be named, said:“Now if you need a WHSmith’s, the nearest will be in Hamilton. It’s an inconvenience. It’s one of the last remaining big stores we have.”