The owner of a shop which closed after almost a quarter of a century operating from the heart of Wymondham has lamented a lack of trade in the area.

Michelle Fernandes shut her beloved Wardrobes store in Wymondham, citing a lack of customers.

She said there were "major issues" in the town, including parking problems, road closures and "too many charity shops".

Miss Fernandes, who had been running the shop for 24 years, also bemoaned the number of market stalls allowed to trade in the town, with some selling the same goods as permanent shops and able to undercut them.

Eastern Daily Press:

She said: "Ultimately, the town is dying.

"When the business started, Wymondham was a vibrant town with no empty shops and a thriving sale ground bringing lots of outsiders into the town and regular coach parties.

"There are numerous issues why things have changed and it’s time for Wardrobes as a business to go, along with the changing trend in buying habits.

Eastern Daily Press:

"Lots of major issues have not been taken seriously in the town.

"There have been road closures at prime trading times and misleading signs stopping people coming into the town.

"Stalls sell the same goods we sell without the associated costs us businesses have -  this affects an awful lot of the retailers in Wymondham.

Eastern Daily Press:

"They should be an add-on to businesses, not competition."

She added the town was covered in litter and had "dirty" public toilets which also put customers off.

Eastern Daily Press:

She added: "Although it was a sad decision to make, it was actually an extremely easy one.

"When I could count on one hand the number of customers coming into the shop in a day it was a no-brainer.

"I will miss my customers, the dogs who visit me for their treats and the lovely comments I always receive about my window displays.

"But I am so looking forward to my future without the stress of the last few months and will be indulging more in my passion for horse racing and spending time with friends and family."