Rob Perks, chief executive of Wessex Chambers of Commerce, said: “I think it will have a detrimental impact on the town centre. It is an anchor to the town centre but this is what we are seeing across the county and the country.

“I am sure for Knees it is more cost effective for them and more convenient for their customers.

“It will knock a hole in the town centre. People come in for Knees and pop into other shops while they are there.

“All the shops have to reinvent themselves. On line shopping is now a big thing. We are not going to reverse that so maybe some of the shops have to look at that.

“Parking has got a lot to answer for. When you have to pay from the first minute and there are possible fines it puts people off.

“In retail parks there is free parking, no time restrictions and if you are taking goods away from the store it is easier to put them in the car.

“All this time we have this attitude about parking from the local authorities it will not change.”