Do latest shop closures spell end of Chertsey 'high street'?

The business was established in 1882 by William Taylor, and the current owner - his grandson - has worked there for 67 years.

Ron said: "I had a bad year last year and a bad year this year. I've got used to the recession, we were jogging along a bit better recently, but at my age it is getting much harder to manage.

"I wouldn't let my family take on the business, I couldn't make it work, and I told them that they would make better money elsewhere which they have."

A member of Ron's staff said: "All the shops in Chertsey are gradually going, I noticed a dip in trade after the Antiques shop closed, that brought a lot of trade to the town.

"People just go to the supermarkets, a lot of young people don't even know how to cook vegetables. It's sad that the shop is closing, it's just another thing going, but it has been long time coming.

Also calling it a day is Denise Evans of the children's craft centre Crafties in neighbouring Guildford Street.

The 42-year-old owner said: "The close has been coming all year, but in the summer I finally thought I wouldn't carry on, and now my heart isn't in it. I've been here four years and I'm still to take a wage, this year has been particularly bad, it's not even paying its way.

"It has been very upsetting, I absolutely love this place, if I could keep going I would.

"My regulars are very upset, I've seen children grow up here, they came in as babies and now their off to school in their uniforms. My children will miss it too, they have a social network of friends that come here after school."

Denise thinks the demise of Woolworths and the Chertsey Book Shop were the turning point for the town, adding: "There is no passing trade in Chertsey now, the high street is dead."

What do you think? Is Chertsey town centre dead? Can anything be done to bring the customers back? Post your comments below.