1st February 2012

LYME REGIS: All change in Broad Street

Town centre's unique charm under threat

By Philip Evans

THE unique charm of the Lyme Regis town centre could come under threat with a number of high profile shops currently on the market.

There was great sadness in the town when the Acorn gift shop in Broad Street, run by the Heath-Coleman family, closed its doors for the last time on Saturday after trading for 27 years.

The premises are owned by a London property developer who had forced up the rent by 220 per cent since 2008, resulting in Acorn moving their business to their Axminster outlet.

In October, high street giant W H Smith confirmed they were negotiating to open a new outlet in Lyme Regis, thought to be Acorn, but a spokesperson this week said they were “unable to confirm anything regarding the possibility of a new W H Smith store in Lyme Regis”.

With Pasty Presto having already moved into Broad Street and the pending arrival of W H Smith, there are fears that more national brands will follow suit, changing the face of Broad Street and turning it into “just another high street” lacking in character.

There have been consistent rumours that Costa Coffee is looking for premises in Lyme Regis but has been unable to find suitable location.

Negotiations proceeding

At least ten high profile businesses in the town centre are currently on the market, a reflection of the current economic climate, and the View understands that a number of negotiations are proceeding and could be concluded in the next few weeks.

One well-known Lyme business which has been in the same family for a number of years has changed hands this week and the Toby Jug, another high profile trading name, is closing down due to retirement of the owners.

The Toby Jug, formerly “Days Gone By”, was run for many years by the late Alderman Douglas Fortnam and his family and the premises are still owned by his son, local businessman Peter Fortnam.

Town centre trading has been severely hit in recent weeks by the closure of Church Street and the reformed Lyme Regis Traders’ Organisation is working hard to get better signage so that passing motorists are aware that Lyme is still open for business.

Following representations from chairman Tony Colston, Dorset County Council has agreed to replace the "Lyme Regis businesses open as usual" sign at Boshill Cross with one 1,050 x 750mm in size and ensure it is displayed prominently; move the existing 1050 x 450mm sign at Boshill Cross to the Westhayes Caravan Park junction; check that the sign at the Rousdon junction is visible to drivers; erect an extra 1,050 x 750mm sign at Charton Cross; and check that the sign at the Ware Lane/Gore Lane junction is visible to drivers.

LYME REGIS: All change in Broad Street

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