HOPES that a national retail chain could be returning to a market town's high street have been dashed after it confirmed it would not be reopening its store.

Beales was a landmark store in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, for several years but closed in January 2017 after the company announced it could not trade profitably in the town.

Fresh hopes were sparked last year when the company confirmed it was in talks with Durham County Council earlier this year to potentially reopen the store.

However, it has now been confirmed the retailer will not be returning to the town.

In emails seen by The Northern Echo, Beales' CEO, Tony Brown, said the decision was made "based on the current trading climate" of the high street.

It follows news that the neighbouring Dorothy Perkins and Burton store, is also closing down.

It is understood it will shut on January 12, 2019, and staff have been made redundant.

 

An Arcadia Group spokesperson, which owns the chain, said: "We are constantly reviewing our store portfolio across the group, investing in flagship stores, and increasing our brands' digital presence. Our click and collect service across the brand is also proving a successful way of helping our customers collect their purchases at a location most convenient to them. We endeavour to offer current staff other employment options within the Arcadia Group."

Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland Town, Sam Zair, said the news was "worrying" but not unusual.

He said: "With another quality shop going I really fear for the retail side of the high street and I just don't know what the answer is. We learn that every high street is declining and in Bishop Auckland we are not alone but nevertheless, it's worrying for the existing businesses and how Newgate Street is going to be perceived in the future."

Chairman of the Town Ambassadors group, John Crick, said he was also disappointed that the big brands were leaving but said there was hope in the small businesses who are opening more shops, particularly in Fore Bondgate, and creating a "positive" feel in the town.

"The message I'm getting from small businesses is that they're optimistic about the future and so there's a place for them in a revamped local economy," he said.