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Monday
02  December

Shock as one of Newtown's oldest shops is set to close

 
02/12/2024 @ 10:33

One of Newtown's oldest and most historic shops is set to close, causing political concern.

The W.H. Smith shop on High Street is scheduled to be closed by the company next year as part of a review.

Montgomeryshire Senedd Member, Russell George, is seeking a meeting with the company's management along with Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Lewington, and county councillor Joy Jones.

"I'm extremely disappointed that the WH Smith branch in Newtown is set to close next year. It’s been located in the town for nearly 100 years. 

"Clearly it’s a business decision, but it’s not just a shop, the building also houses a museum, and the character of the shop is part of the identity of the town. Cllr Joy Jones, as the ward representative, Town Mayor Pete Lewington, and myself, are seeking to meet with WH Smith bosses, we have to at least make sure that we leave no stone unturned, and we ask the question what we as the town can do to keep this iconic shop open."

The store initially opened in 1927 and served as a historic part of the business and the town.

It was initially furnished with oak shelving, underfloor heating and traditional designs of that time.

In the 1970s, when the company's stores were being modernised, the Newtown shop was chosen to demonstrate the history of the company, and today, it still has a museum on the first floor.