A department store which was to become part of the legacy of a Norfolk businessman is set to close its doors for the final time.

Eastern Daily Press: Chattels of Dereham. Debbie Bales in the coffee shop. Picture: Matthew Usher.Chattels of Dereham. Debbie Bales in the coffee shop. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

Chattels of Dereham made the announcement today (Tuesday October 23) that it would be shutting shop in three weeks time.

The idea of the shop was very much the vision of businessman Basil Todd who bought the former Palmers department store in 2014 and began its complete renovation and transformation.

But he was unable to see it come to fruition as he died after losing a cancer battle three years ago.

Since then, his daughters Debbie Bales and Bridgette Hall took over his business affairs and, determined to see his final project through to completion, opened Chattels in October 2015.

Eastern Daily Press: Official opening of Chattels in Dereham. Pictured are (from left) Bridgette Hall, Christine Todd and Debbie Bales. Picture: Ian BurtOfficial opening of Chattels in Dereham. Pictured are (from left) Bridgette Hall, Christine Todd and Debbie Bales. Picture: Ian Burt

The pair worked to transform the former Palmers store, in Norwich Road, into their father's vision while also spending time with him during his cancer battle. It opened a year after its predecessor closed.

The closure means job losses of around 15. The staff have been informed of the decision, including the cafe workers.

The owners made the announcement by putting up a poster on its store fronts.

It read: 'It is with regret that after three years trading in Dereham, due to the current climate in high end retail we have made the decision to close Chattels. This combined with some of our instore concessions withdrawing from the marker has led to the decision.

Eastern Daily Press: Official opening of Chattels in Dereham. Pictured are (from left) Bridgette Hall, Christine Todd and Debbie Bales. Picture: Ian BurtOfficial opening of Chattels in Dereham. Pictured are (from left) Bridgette Hall, Christine Todd and Debbie Bales. Picture: Ian Burt

'The store will continue to trade with a closing down sale over the next three weeks closing it's doors on Saturday November 10 2018.

'We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and custom over the past three years.

'We are still committed to the town of Dereham and are working hard to find a new tenant for the store.'

Mrs Hall said they had already received some interest hoped a new tenant would be found quickly.

How do you feel about the closure of Chattels of Dereham? Email reporter Donna-Louise Bishop at donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk.