Ref. 27947-27A CHAPTER in Old Town's history is to end with the closure one of its long-surviving shops next year.

Victoria Bookshop has been a fixture in Wood Street for the past 30-years but its owner, Steve Austin, has finally admitted defeat in the battle against cut-price books on offer from supermarkets and the internet.

Mr Austin, 53, who has run the shop since 1973, said: "We're closing down because sadly it's no longer viable to stay open.

"Today it's extremely difficult because people buy bestsellers at the supermarket or on the internet and I can't compete on price.

"It's become increasingly difficult to make a living and it's time to call it a day. I've no idea what I will do next, but I hope to stay in Old Town and am open to offers.

"Old Town has changed because there aren't really many family businesses left anymore like they used to be. There are no butchers, greengrocers or fishmongers anymore and it's a pity because people are going to out-of-town shopping centres instead of using Old Town."

Mr Austin took over the shop from his father, Ken, who had run Victoria Antiques for seven years. He turned it into a bookshop.

But he cannot compete on price with the big players. For instance, the Harry Potter books retail at a recommended price of £16.99 and although Mr Austin was selling at a break-even £12.99, many supermarkets were selling the books at under £10.

Mr Austin, who lives in Drove Road, said: "It will be a sad day when I finally close. At the end of the day we're all in business together, but it's a bit unfair when supermarkets are selling books at prices I can't even buy at.

"They'll probably say they have a smaller profit margin, but when they're selling 2,000 books compared to my two it begins to show."

Many Old Town shopkeepers believe trade has suffered irreversibly since the Princess Margaret Hospital closed last year and many new housing developments started to spring up.

Old Town was once a byword for diversity and individuality with specialist stores such as Workman's in Prospect Place, Wallis's fishmongers and Lane's, a pork butcher.

Carters the tobacconist sold a classy range of pipes and cigars while Williams in Wood Street stocked books, fountain pens, stationery and leather goods. Dentry's, on the corner of Devizes Road and Wood Street and which once sold clothes, is now occupied by an estate agent.

Earlier this year Spillers, the family-owned carpet and furniture store in Victoria Road, closed after 160-years in business.

Property agents Dreweatt Neate, which has the shop next door, had applied for a change of use and wanted to locate a building society where the bookshop currently stands with a flat above, but yesterday withdrew its application.

Swindon planners have tried to curtail the loss of specialist shops like Victoria Bookshop because their loss detracts from the vitality and viability of the surrounding area.

Giles Sheldrick