Long Sutton shop shuts for good

A devastated sweet shop owner has shut his doors for good after seeing a massive drop in trade due to issues in the town.

Nathaniel Woodward says he was broken-hearted to close Woodward’s Confections last month after seeing a 90 per cent reduction in trade since the second lockdown.

Mr Woodward, who runs the business with partner Leah Huggins, says that a combination of other businesses in town closing early, battles for customs and issues with the town’s market led to him to make the decision.

He said: “It was a very off the cuff decision and it broke my heart to do it but it’s closed forever.

“Things just are not the same in Long Sutton - anyone will tell you that - and we just couldn’t sustain the business. When you have shops which are closing early and the market is finished by 1pm, they’re not bringing people into the town where shops like us are small fry in a big pond.

“We rely on people being brought into the town. It’s also impossible when you have the roadworks in town too, especially on market day as people can’t get parked.”

Mr Woodward, who has kept his shop in Wisbech and his online business, says that he refused to fight for trade in the town.

He said: “In the first lockdown we were flat out but in the second lockdown it was very different.

“The problem is that other businesses began to expand what sweets they had on offer and because they were classed as ‘essential’ they stayed open so I was pushed out of the town.

“I just felt that I’m not going to fight for the trade and trade is worse now than it was during lockdown as people are utilising their time and money to go on days out. We are doing okay with Wisbech and the online shop but you need the support.

“We put everything into Long Sutton and we brought good things to the town too. I’d say over a period of six months I put Long Sutton on the map with social media and making national newspapers, but I’m glad to be out now as people seemed to have a problem with me doing well.

“I’m glad I got out in the green because Long Sutton will not survive - it will end up like Holbeach and Spalding and I would say it’s all down to the council.

“I believe what the council are doing with the markets in particular will kill the town.”

South Holland District Council recently announced it was proposing to increase fees for Long Sutton market traders by 67 per cent, causing outrage in the town.

Speaking after the announcement of the consultation on the markets, Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “We are committed to continuing to develop sustainable markets across the district for our traders, keeping fees as low as possible and ensuring our markets remain a key attraction for our residents and a chosen destination for shoppers seeking excellent quality at keen prices.

“This public consultation gives people the opportunity to share their thoughts on markets, what they would like to see at them and what they think of our proposals for their future development.

“We want to make them accessible to new businesses, ensure fairness for all our traders and make our markets the primary destination to shop in the district. If you have an opinion, please take the time to complete the form and let us know what that is.”