Woolworths (St Ives, Cornwall) - Fore Street entrance

A tragedy that this store is closing. The largest retailer in town located in the centre of the high street (Fore Street). This store provided an invaluable service to the local community. There are so many items you just won't be able to buy in the town anymore - driving yet more people to get in their cars and shop elsewhere. Forget the pick and mix (always popular with visitors in the summer), essentials such as toys, clothing, household appliances (e.g. iron, microwave etc.) could all be bought here.

The sad thing is that there were just too few little towns like this to provide Woolworths a lifeline.

The store will close on January 2nd 2008 - the fixtures and fittings are already being sold off.

The big question now is who will take over the space. Rumours for many years that JD Wetherspoon is interested but getting a license could be challenging. It is unlikely a retailer like Waitrose would move in as access with an articulated lorry is impossible making regular deliveries a huge challenge.