End of another village store

Owners of Pavenhill News on The Parade in Purton say they can no longer compete with the bigger shops and supermarkets in the area.

Doreen Quinn and Sandra Anger set the business up, selling a range of groceries, in March 2000, but say support for their store has dwindled.

"People no longer go to their local village stores," said Mrs Quinn.

"These days little stores have no chance against the bigger ones. People are deciding to shop at the major supermarkets where prices are cheaper.

"It is a real shame. There has been a store on this site for more than 30 years.

"These national chains have very little character about them you just hand your goods over, get them scanned, pay and leave there is hardly any communication.

"Smaller stores are different. People have more time to stop and chat. You get to learn a lot about people."

Mrs Quinn says Pavenhill News cannot afford to drop prices in order to take on their main rival national chain One Stop Community Stores, which is directly opposite.

She explained: "It really is a case of the little fish being eaten by the bigger fish - there is nothing we can do about it.

"Asda on the Orbital Retail Park in Abbey Meads is only about 10 minutes away. People just get in their cars and get all the shopping they need in one go. There is no future in village stores these days."

Sandra Anger said: "Unfortunately this is the general trend now -independent retailers are finding it extremely tough to survive.

"Myself and Doreen have decided that we will not set up anywhere else. We have had more than enough of shopkeeping now."

A spokesman for Asda said: "The last thing we want to see is the closure of more corner shops.

"They mean competition, which is good for all of us.

"At the end of the day, it is always the customer who decides which store he or she will shop at."

One Stop Community Stores Ltd was unavailable for comment.

Pavenhill News is to remain open during mornings until current stock is sold.