A company that has been trading in Lowestoft since 1989, has announced the closure of its town centre store.

The QD branch, on London Road North, closed at the end of last week – with a representative pointing to a 'decline in trading' as one of the main factors.

A total of 14 full-time and five part-time staff have been made redundant as a result of the closure – although the 'company may be able to re-hire some of these personnel to manage posts elsewhere within the group,' according to a QD spokesman.

'The site on London Road North was a former Woolworths outlet acquired on pre-recession rent levels which have not adjusted to subsequent reduction in customer footfall, with consequent decline in trading,' the spokesman added.

'QD management was still negotiating with the site landlords on a strategy to return the store to commercial viability by agreeing on a more commercially sustainable rent but unfortunately it has not come to fruition, leaving no option but to close for business in town.'

Darren Newman, manager of the Lowestoft Vision business improvement district (BID), said: 'Lowestoft Vision is obviously very shocked and disappointed with the recent news that the town's QD store has closed. Obviously, our thoughts are with the team at QD Lowestoft.

'However we continue to welcome new businesses into the town, over the last two weeks we have seen Utopia open in the Britten centre and Marmaris restaurant open on the Historic High Street.'

For further reaction, and the full story, pick up this Friday's Journal.