By Gillian Ellison

Published at 16:09, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

THERE is bleak news on the high street this week with news of two shops closing in Whitehaven.

Cumbria Bridal Centre is closing at Christmas and clothing shop Zoo, in Lowther Street, has already shut down.

Also, the Kings Arms pub, at Hensingham, is currently closed. But there is better news of a new cafe opening.

Sue Anderson, owner of Cumbria Bridal Centre, said business had slowed down over the past few years. “I think it’s the right time to get out,” she told The Whitehaven News. “It just seems that Whitehaven is becoming a bit of a ghost town.

“We could do with a big name shop to get people here. We have got some nice quirky shops but we need a big name to get people to come here in the first place.”

Sue, 37, has owned the business for four years and is selling the stock off. “I have noticed a big decline in people getting married and the internet hasn’t helped. Some people come in and try a dress on and then buy it on the internet.

“It’s sad for Whitehaven because there is no bridal shop now,” she added.

Bob Wilson, of the Kings Arms, said he had sold the pub as a result of his wife’s ill health and slowing trade. Bob and Doris, who live at Richmond, had been there for 12 years. “There’s that much competition now, we were holding our head above water but it was such long hours.

“Everyone has not got the money now, it’s just the way things are going, even the town centre pubs are feeling the pinch,” said Bob, who will remain chairman of Whitehaven’s Pubwatch scheme.

On a more positive note, a new cafe has opened in Queen Street. The Coach House is situated where Bonnars cafe used to be. It also plans to open in the evenings as a tapas bar once it has a liqueur licence.

Owner is mother-of-three, Diane Park-Kane, of Whitehaven.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk