Major telephone provider is closing its store today because shoppers are blowing up the 'dying' shopping street
Shoppers are disappointed because a major telephone provider is closing shop today.
The network giant's branch is one of only two remaining businesses in a much-loved Northumberland shopping center that will soon be demolished.
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The EE phone store at Keel Row Shopping Center in Blyth is the latest store to turn off the lights for good.
The municipality took over the shopping complex in July 2023.
But its days are now numbered after it was confirmed the site will be demolished.
Dozens of stores – including Superdrug, The Works and New Look – had to leave the premises within weeks.
EE and Bonmarché were the only ones left standing – the fashion retailer was due to close on February 20.
Locals are now saying goodbye to the popular telephone branch for the last time before it closes today.
It's a huge step backwards for Blyth
In response to the devastating announcement, customers took to social media to express their frustration.
One user fumed: “It's a shame some areas are deserted. Our high streets are dying.”
Another wrote: “Poor Blyth, our beautiful town.”
Although proposals for what will replace the center have not yet been finalized, the site could become a new higher education facility.
The Energy Central Institute will support the city's sustainable energy industry as part of the Energy Central Campus project.
However, locals believe the move will be a huge blow to their quiet town.
One said: “It's a huge step backwards for Blyth.
“Developing it financially and helping downtown thrive again would have been more beneficial to our downtown.”
They said they will now have to commute to the nearest shopping center in Cramlington to do their shopping.
One explained: “I don't want to have to shop in Cramlington but the closure of the Keelrow is forcing us to shop elsewhere.”
Locals are also calling for more shops in their area.
They said: “More houses are being built but we need shops in Blyth, please no more Barbours. Blyth is just a total dump.”
Another said: 'Disgusting that they are the newest shops in Blyth, they should get rid of the old ones and not the newest.'
The location's parking lot has also been purchased by the municipality.
The Willie Carr statue at the site will be kept until a decision is made future of the shopping center has been completely created.
Councilor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for companytold the Northumberland Gazette: “Although this marks the end of an era, retail remains an important part of the city center and we encourage people to continue visiting the city as we improve the city.
“The acquisition of Keel Row means we can deliver more significant development in the city centre, including investment in education, innovation and cultural activities.”
Mayor of Blyth Warren Taylor added: 'As sad as it is to see Keel Row close, we are optimistic that the developments taking place in the Market Place, such as the cultural centre, the proposed higher education facility and a new hotel , giving a boost to city center retailers and encouraging other businesses to invest.”
Shoppers across the country are being hit by more closures as the UK's retail apocalypse clears the high streets.
The Body Shop is the latest to involve administrators next one week in which the brand will begin insolvency processes within days.
It is understood the chain – founded by Anita Roddick and her husband Gordon – will appoint FRP Advisory in a move that will affect around 200 stores. Sky News reports.