A family-run jewellery business in Mid Devon has announced its ‘sad’ closure, stating improvements worked carried out in Cullompton town centre have ‘killed trade’.
The Little Silver Shop, in Fore Street, says that the loss of vital car parking spaces during the transformation of the Higher Bullring is resulting in its closure later this month. The project was completed at the beginning of 2024 and its aim was to enhance its heritage setting with a new square surrounding the war memorial.
The scheme also included high-quality paving, drainage, benches, planters, cycle parking, and bins, culminating in a visually appealing space designed for events and community activities like its weekday market.
However, the owners of The Little Silver Shop, Jenny and Chris Hellier, say that since the works began, their footfall has decreased to the extent that it is no longer financially viable to keep the business going which they established there in 2021. Jenny used to work at Cullompton jewellers Steve & Ash 18 years ago, and Thorne & Carter before leaving to set up her own business.
Cullompton town centre high street
(Image: Google Maps)
Announcing the closure on its Facebook page, it said: “It is with great sadness that I am informing you that The Little Silver Shop will be closing on January 25, 2025. It is particularly sad that the reasons for the closure are in my opinion related to decisions made to redevelop the Bullring area.
“Since the first day the work started in October 2023, the foot fall to the shop dramatically declined. This is taken from actual data recorded not just a suspicion.
“I feel the main reason behind this was the decision to remove a number of parking spaces that allowed quick, easy and free access to the towns shops. Each of the 10 spaces represented hour slots throughout the day equating to a minimum of 80 visitors if not more accessing the town.
“Since they were removed, there are less spaces available, and parking in the main car parks costs. This is something people are not prepared to do for a quick call to a single shop in addition to the walk from Station Road or St Andrews car parks. There’s also rumours about the library car park going.
Cullompton Bullring pictured in 2022
“Cullompton is not really a ‘browsing’ town; it’s a town where people go to specific shops or premises for a reason. Removing these spaces I feel has effectively contributed to killing the towns trade.
“Now, I am not saying the Bullring project should not have happened. However, it could have been done in a way leaving some parking. I feel more thought and deliberation should go into this considering the lasting impact it has had.
“We have Devon County, Mid Devon (Economic Development Officer), Town Council and the public. Nobody highlighted the impact of the parking spaces until it was too late.
“I must say interaction with businesses around this was not forthcoming as many did not even know about it. Unfortunately, the outcome has meant that my business is no longer viable along with many others over the last 12 months.
“I am very grateful for all of the support from people in the town in my four years. I have met some lovely people and enjoyed all of it.
“I will continue to be open until January 25, at which point I will close for good. Thank you again for everyone who has supported me. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!”
The official opening of the new-look Higher Bullring in Cullompton in February 2024
(Image: Mid Devon District Council)
An outpouring of support and sympathy has been shared among those who have commented on the post.
One customer said: “This is very disappointing for Cullompton. Your shop was the best one in town!
“Totally understand why you would need to close though. A shame that the little things just aren’t thought about when it comes to area development.”
Fellow business owner Ali Lazarczyk said: “Such sad news to hear Jenny. Trying to run a small business and offer a service has to be one of the hardest things to do in the current climate and the decisions made by local planning to remove parking spaces has had an impact on each and every one of the local people like you trying to offer that service.
“The Little Silver Shop added something special to our town and you will be sadly missed by all of the other traders and your customers. We know how hard you have worked and what an achievement it is to have opened and run a small business for four years. So from us all at Moments, we will be very sad to see you go but well done on achieving your dream!”