A DEVON town known for its resilience and independent shops is now facing uncertain times, as several shops close down.
Business owners in Tavistock are encouraging tourists to visit as they have seen a decrease in footfall, with some blaming the cost-of-living crisis.
On top of that, rising costs for businesses, ongoing roadworks, limited free parking and the closure of two banks are reasons some residents and business owners think the town has gone quiet. A lack of holidaymakers has also been noted, as some compared the crowds that flocked to Devon just after the Covid lockdowns to current testing times.
The owner of Carters Deli, Denis Mbu, took on the store in August 2020 – just after the Covid lockdown. He describes that time as a “walk in the park” compared to this year.
He said: “It’s the footfall – that’s the thing that’s changed the most and what we are noticing. The beginning of 2024 has been tragically slow. Some of us have compared it to Covid lockdown times, when there was no one walking about the streets.
“Average spending by customers started to go down, you can feel that people are not comfortable spending. Everyone is struggling and no one is splashing money, it’s like a vicious circle.
This story is from the July 25, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 25, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Argyle get dramatic win against Sunderland
CAPTAIN Fantastic Joe Edwards added to his impressive list of important goals for Plymouth Argyle during his five years at the club with an added-time winner to beat tabletopping Sunderland 3-2 at a jubilant Home Park.
Parkway in the hat for next round of FA Cup
PARKWAY entertained Southern League Division One South side Westbury United who play one level below Parkway at step 4 in the second Round Qualifying of the FA Cup.
'Wrong decision' to scrap winter fuel cash
LIBERAL Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said there will be a “lot of people who are elderly” who will “struggle this winter” as a result of means-testing the winter fuel payment.
"West will not be bullied'
THE West will not be bullied by Vladimir Putin’s threat of all-out war with Nato if Ukraine is given permission to use Western weapons to strike inside Russia, David Lammy said.
Thousands evacuated amid rising floodwaters
ANOTHER night of torrential rain across central Europe has forced massive evacuations in the hardest hit areas in the Czech Republic, where floods reached extreme levels on Sunday.
Bishop-elect 'honoured' to be is asked by Pope
PHILIP MOGER INSTALLED IN NOVEMBER
Installation turns heads on the Hoe
ARTIST'S WORK IS FOCUSED ON 'CRUELTY' OF FISHING
Sevens ace leads rugby course
A NEW rugby programme which will be led by a Commonwealth Games medal-winning former professional player is being delivered through a partnership between City College Plymouth and the St Columba Rugby Trust.
city 'Detested' building is on rental market
A HUGE building widely considered to be among the ugliest in Plymouth is once again empty and available for rent at £125,000 a year.
Poppy Walk can help veterans get back on their feet
EVENT WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR ROYAL BRITISH LEGION APPEAL