Jewellery firm owner makes decision to close

A jewellery shop which has been a feature of Bourne town centre for a decade will close in the autumn.

Cathy Powell has taken the tough decision to close Crown Jewellers because of tough trading conditions and a need to move closer to her parents.

She previously worked as a nurse in the RAF and cabin crew for British Airways before taking a break to have her children.

She then worked part time for Hoppers in Bourne and for a while at Tiffanys in London before setting up on her own.

Cathy first opened in Angel Precinct 10 years ago but moved to North Street two years later.

She said: “It has been brilliant working in Bourne. I love the town and I love the people.

“I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. They’ve come to us for their engagement rings, then wedding rings and gifts. We have seen them grow up and then their children grow up."

Cathy's decision to close was influenced by the tough time independent retailers are facing.

She opened a shop in Peterborough in June 2017 but the high rent and business rates had an impact on the overall business.

The Peterborough shop closed in May but Cathy says trade continues to be difficult in Bourne.

She said: “We have seen a noticeable drop in footfall in Bourne, especially during the last six months with the new parking charges and tickets.

"It’s such a shame that people have been subjected to it and it’s had a big impact on the town.

“Small independents face difficulties with rent and rates, so adding another change to put people off coming into the town centre will kill it off."

Cathy and her staff Annabelle Jukes, Fleur Orrey, Sarah Parker and Melissa Gough will close the shop on October 27.

Cathy will then move to the north-east to care for her elderly parents.

She said: "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our customers for their loyal support and friendship.

"The community support in Bourne is unbelievable, it’s second to none. It’s a lovely little town with the best people and I wish them all well.”