The recession is being blamed for the closure of the independent opticians, Powells.

Powells, based in the Market Place, closes at the end of July.

It is owned by husband and wife James, 30, and Sam, 28, Powell who opened it in December 2006.

It was initially called Eyetech after the Powells bought the opticians which was then located in Northgate Street, They changed the name to Powells a year ago and opened another opticians in Thatcham, Berkshire, in May last year.

Mrs Powell said: “Our shop in Devizes had been doing fine until three or four months ago when it got a lot quieter and we have been losing money.

“Our clinic is not fully booked any more and our sales of frames has fallen. In this recession it seems people are making the most of their existing frames and just buying lenses rather than buying new frames.

“Historically the summer months are a quiet time for opticians so we had to decide whether to keep on ploughing money into it and hope things would turn around but after a long discussion we decided it would be best to close the Devizes shop and focus on our Thatcham shop where business is good.”

The couple have two young children and employ one person at their Devizes shop.

Mrs Powell said: “It’s so sad that the Devizes shop is closing because it was our first shop. We moved from Bristol for a new way of life. We will continue to live in Devizes as we are so happy living here.”

*If you are interested in buying the lease of the Powells shop call Sam Powell on 07932 749339.

The couple, who have two young children, will continue to live in Devizes.