Laundry, butcher and clothes shop shut
Last updated at 11:23, Thursday, 16 August 2012
THE long-standing presence in Whitehaven of a dry cleaners on the corner of Church Street and Lowther Street comes to an end on August 25 when the Lakeland shop shuts down.
It means the loss of jobs for three part-timers, including Christine Moore, who was formerly at the Lakeland Laundry factory on Low Road and has worked in the business for 40 years.
“It’s very sad,’’ she said. “Long-standing customers have come in to say how sorry they are and I’m almost in tears.
“It leaves the town without a dry cleaners. Some places are offering a service but it takes a week and we have a next-day turnaround.
“It’s a sign of the times, I’m afraid. The business has declined. People have cut back on having items dry cleaned. It is mainly suits and coats now, and they are prepared to risk putting things through the washing machine.
“There were nine of us working here when I started about 20 years ago, now there’s just three part-timers.’’
Christine has seen the laundry taken over three times. Sunlight bought Lakeland Pennine, who bought out the Whitehaven branch of Johnston’s the Cleaners and her current employer John Wason corr of Barrow had owned the business for nine years. He has four branches – Whitehaven, Barrow, Kendal and Carlisle. Carlisle closed down about four months ago.
Lakeland has urged people to collect garments before the closure date, August 25.
The Whitehaven business has been for sale for three months and now the owner has sold the property.
Another long-standing Whitehaven business, Donaldson’s Butchers in Market Place, has also ceased trading, and the Ethel Austin store in Market Place has now closed its doors. The brand and 32 of the remaining 48 stores have been bought out of administration by a Salford businessman Mike Basson.
Ethel Austin went into administration for the fourth time last month. The administrators have been seeking buyers for the remaining stores. Restructuring specialist GA Europe is managing the closure of stores for which a buyer cannot be found.
First published at 11:06, Thursday, 16 August 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
I moved to Whitehaven 2 years ago and enjoy living in the town centre, though it's a shame there are so few good food shops (and most of the pubs are dives). Why, whenever a shop closes, is it the Council's fault? What about the rents property owners (some of whom are local, I believe) charge? Have the moaning brigade really not noticed there's a recession going on? Get real! And spend more money in local shops!
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It's a shame, although I live far away, I do love visiting Whitehaven. With each visit I notice more and more shops are closing, along with disgraceful town pubs. Whitehaven is a gorgeous harbourtown that has so much potential. It needs: cruise ships, bistros, cafes, exclusive shops, boutique hotels and a true shopping district. (to think you have to go to Workington to shop, that's crazy) All these things will put Whitehaven on the map. With the beauty of the sea and the gorgeous Lakes right next door, I am not sure why Whitehaven council is still living in the dark ages. Visit other harbour towns in the States or Canada - my goodness you will soon realize what you are missing. Get your act together, or Whitehaven will soon be a ghost town.
Posted by Joely on 23 August 2012 at 18:21