RESIDENTS of a once-trendy high street say their home has now turned into a ghost town with shops shutting due to rising costs.
Locals in Ramsbottom, Manchester, say the town has long prided itself on its thriving high street boasting a host of bars and restaurants.
Residents in Ramsbottom have said their once-trendy high street has turned into a ghost town
Kerry Khan of Hearts for Homes says that the town has become more and more quiet
But in recent months the once bustling town has been rocked by the sudden closures of several beloved establishments.
The Chocolate Cafe and Spanish restaurant duo Levanter and Baratxuri, widely regarded as the flag-flyers for the town’s hospitality scene, have decided to call it a day.
The owners of Levanter blamed the bleak state of the high street, and said it had left them “so squeezed we cannot breathe or see a single sunlit upland”.
While announcing the closure of the Chocolate Cafe after 15 years, owner Philip Hargreaves said the cost of living crisis was “hitting us at both ends”.
He added that goods and energy costs have increased by more than 40 per cent and “in some cases doubled”.
And rocketing costs have meant locals are fearing the possibility of further closures to small businesses with Ramsbottom becoming a ghost town at times.
Last week, gift shop Hearts for Homes took to social media to announce it was reducing its opening hours because the town was so quiet.
Kerry Khan, the shop’s owner, told MEN: “If I’m looking at it from a business point of view, I don’t think there is any doubt that I would not renew it (her lease).
“It scares me to do it. Right now, the future looks quite scary.
“Since Christmas, it’s been very quiet. In the past you might have had a couple of bad days but it was a blip. That’s now become the norm.
“There’s not as many people in Ramsbottom. I’m aware people might have less money to spend and that’s certainly a factor.”
Like many shop owners, Kerry said the amount of shops being closed down comes after the energy crisis and the lack of income.
And she has already taken to turning the heating off inside the shop in order to save on her own energy bills,
She continued: “I guess I just have to hope that things will get better. Ramsbottom needs more support from local people.
“They want all these shops and nice things here but if you don’t support them, they won’t be there anymore. If it carries on the way it has, there will be very little left here.
“When I opened the shop, I thought this is a great place because there is lots of things going on and great footfall. That has changed so much. If you were looking at opening a shop in Ramsbottom now, I don’t think you would do it.”
Stuart Rothwell, owner of The Vineyard wine shop has said that the town already “feels quieter” after the big-name closures.
Stuart said: “We have so many customers that have moved here for the vibrant shops and eateries. People are upset and down but you just have to get on with it.
“It’s happening everywhere, it’s not just Ramsbottom. We have got to be careful. We’re seeing prices go up all the time. It’s a fact of life though.”
But despite the cost of living crisis, Stuart still has hope that the once busy high street will bounce back.
He added: “I think it will come back round. Ramsbottom 30 years ago was totally different to what it is now. It’s changed for the better.”
Despite the high profile closures, a number of new businesses are preparing to open in Ramsbottom including a pizza restaurant and new wine bar.
‘STRUGGLING’
Ramsbottom councillor Tom Pilkington also called on the government to do more to support bars and restaurants.
He said: “I can’t deny that it’s difficult to witness the struggles that Ramsbottom’s wonderful independent businesses currently face.
“We’ve already seen some jewels of Ramsbottom’s independent offering sadly succumb to factors not of their own making.”
Councillor Pilkington continued: “It is testament to the community and resolve of Ramsbottom that we are only now starting to see the impact of the energy crisis.
“As councillors we are doing what we can. We’ve brought events back to Ramsbottom to increase footfall, makers markets too. We’ve initiated an events group, we all shop and promote local and will accelerate the Ramsbottom Town Plan to support out wonderful businesses.
“Despite our best efforts, these businesses need more government support. It’s unfair that they’re paying the price for the mistakes of others.
“Better late than never, there now needs to be an urgent move forwards to provide greater support on energy rates.”
It comes as residents of a once-busy village say it has become a ghost town for one simple reason.
Meanwhile those living in a town in Cheshire, say there are no decent shops on the high street anymore as inflations drives owners out.
Stuart Rothwell of Vineyard wine shop says the town already feels quieter after some closures
The Chocolate Cafe is one shop which has closed its doors in Ramsbottom
