Border Telegraph | News | Houston: We have a

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 30th April, 2008 09:00

Houston: We have a

By Ally McGilvray

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The bottom of Channel Street is 'a bit of a nightmare' according to Mr Houston.

GALASHIELS is open for business.

That was the statement from local traders following concerns over the number of shop closures in the town in recent weeks.

They blamed the credit crunch, fuel crisis and even the poor weather for the downturn in business, sparked following the arrival of ASDA and Tesco’s new 24-hour superstores.

Garage owner David Houston, co-chairman of Galashiels Chamber of Trade, this week told the Border Telegraph: “There is a problem with the new stores but Galashiels and its smaller independent shops are strong enough to cope.”

Cut-price fashion retailer Ethel Austin was the latest store in the town’s Channel Street to announce its closure last week with the loss of six jobs.

However, despite the number of empty shops, traders are confident a number of new businesses are set to move in.

Mr Houston said: “The bottom of Channel Street is a bit of a nightmare just now but it’s not all doom and gloom.”

Pub chain TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut and an unnamed hotel group are all reported to be looking for new premises in the area.

And, with the new road and rail links proposed for Galashiels, as well as the expanding retail park in neighbouring Selkirk, traders are confident of a bright future.

But Mr Houston added: “Shoppers need to get out and support their local stores.”

Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that Au Naturale could be set to close its store in Galashiels – just months after opening. It follows reports that Marks and Spencer are considering expanding their neighbouring store in the Gala Water Retail Park.

A spokesman for the home furnishings store said: “It is correct to say that money in the retail sector is tight at the moment but there are no plans to close our store in Galashiels at the moment.”

Earlier this month, Clarks, also located in the Gala Water Retail Park, refuted rumours it was set to close by posting a sign on its door which read: “We’re not closing – we’re proud to be serving Galashiels.”

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