WILTON councillors have called on the district council to help them save shops in the town, saying the number of retail outlets closing has become 'critical'.

The Todays shop in Waterditchampton is the latest in a long line of stores to seek permission for change of use to residential.

Speaking at the council's October meeting, Tim Abott said: "We have lost at least five shops in the past year.

"If this shop is allowed change of use, it will be a disaster for the local community."

The council is hoping for more stringent planning restrictions to maintain Wilton's shops and keep the town centre alive.

"We are looking at ways to maintain the vitality and viability of shops in Wilton and put some guidelines in place," district councillor Peter Edge told the meeting.

"I agree the situation is critical.

"It's like a pyramid, if you take out too many key bricks the whole thing will collapse.

"In the meantime, I would encourage all local people who are concerned about the closure of this shop to write to the district council with their objections."