Councillor worried 'cascade' of shops could leave town after announcement

FEARS a "cascade" of shops could leave Ilkeston have been voiced by a councillor – following the announcement of the closure of the town's Co-op department store.

Labour's Frank Phillips, who represents Ilkeston Central, said: "There is a tipping point where shop closures start to cascade and they leave town entirely.

"It's going to be a major blow to the town. The place really was an institution, which people not only shopped in but also worked in.

"With unemployment as high as it is, I am really worried for young people in Ilkeston – who are being terribly let down by the Government.

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"The borough council seem to have a very hands-off approach to Ilkeston as well, they just don't seem to want to do anything."

But the leader of Erewash Borough Council, Conservative's Chris Corbett, is hopeful for the future of the town.

He said: "It is a real shame but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the town.

"In February, we have announcements as part of the budget which will help that part of the town. And we have been lucky to be able to secure the college campus for the centre of the town.

"While we cannot do anything about rent prices, or gas and electric, we are looking at changing the business rates through the new localism bill.

"As soon as we are able, we will help businesses in the town at every opportunity."

A spokesman for the Erewash Partnership – the regeneration agency which works with the borough council and is supported by more than 400 businesses – said: "We were very sad to hear the news.

"For the past 19 years, we have had a very close relationship with the Co-op and hope the food hall, post office and travel sections will remain open in Ilkeston.

"We now plan to work closely with Midlands Co-op and our partners to offer support and seek opportunities to pursue initiatives to counter the effects of the closure."