A town councillor fears that empty shops in Keswick could have a detrimental visual impact on visitors when lockdown is lifted.
Alan Dunn is concerned that some of the smaller independent businesses may not survive the current closure restrictions and that they will be forced to shut their doors for good.
The independent councillor, now retired but formerly the owner of the Open All Hours store in St John’s Street, is worried about the impression a large number of empty shops could give.
He suggests that decals — large pictures posted into windows — should be used to brighten up the appearance of empty shop fronts.
Charities could then be given the opportunity to use the vacant premises to advertise their services.
The town centre has already seen the recent closures of Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Pitlochry, and Field and Trek, along with Alexandra’s in Packhorse Court.
Other businesses are expected to follow suit, relocate or change their business model — operating entirely online — once out of lockdown.
“People are getting these small business grants which are keeping them afloat, but what happens when they stop? “ asked Mr Dunn.
“Will people come back in the numbers we need to keep businesses open? I am just a little concerned that there might be a lot of empty shops once we emerge from this lockdown.
“Keswick is going to be like every high street in the country because they are all struggling. I have spoken to the mayor Paul Titley about my concerns.
“It is kind of out of our hands. I was more concerned about the appearance of empty shops,” he added.
Mr Dunn said that when the first lockdown ended in July, visitors did come back to Keswick in large numbers throughout the summer.
The town also enjoyed a busy autumn but then came the second lockdown in November, which had a detrimental impact spilling into Christmas and the new year.
“I own a couple of businesses in St John’s Street — a tattoo parlour and an art gallery — and both said that they had caught up everything they had lost since lockdown started.
“They both reported that they’d had a very good run. I am taking that as being pretty general for Keswick because I am hearing that other places here had an exceptionally busy period but it has all gone again.
“We are just going to have to wait and see what happens. There are people who have businesses that are teetering on the brink that may not make it.”
Keswick town centre has nearly 200 retail businesses, mainly operating as shops, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Only about 25 remain open during the current lockdown for the sale of essentials,
Besides food and drink, this includes chemists, newsagents, pet supplies, ironmongery, garages, estate agents and building societies.
