CONCERNS have been raised over the future of Warminster’s struggling town centre, with two shops on the brink of permanent closure.

Tony Pryce in High Street announced that it will close on April 14 due to a lack of footfall while a planning application has been submitted to turn Poundland into a restaurant.

The sports shop moved to High Street from the Three Horseshoes Walk shopping precinct just 18 months ago in the hope it would increase sales but the move did not have the desired effect.

Team leader Sam Spratt said: “It’s a real shame. Lots of people say that they prefer our shop to other sports shops in the area but sadly there isn’t enough proof to back it up.

“With us closing, Poundland looking like it’s about to close and two banks closing, it really is a worry for the town centre.

“Luckily some of us have managed to find other jobs but some are still looking.”

Last week rumours circulated on social media that Poundland in Three Horseshoes Walk is under threat.

Today (Tuesday) London-based property investor NewRiver confirmed that it has submitted a planning application to Wiltshire Council to convert it to a restaurant, but did not name the eatery.

Peter Ruscoe, manager of the shopping centre, said: “Poundland and NewRiver are working closely together to help support this store as it has been such a success story we are looking at various options at the moment on how we, together, can better serve our customers.

"We can say that we are not losing Poundland from the centre and will keep customers aware of any developments.”

A Poundland spokesman said the store is “subject to ongoing discussions with the landlord but there is currently no changes to the store - it remains open and trading”.

Rob Perks, CEO of Wessex Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses are struggling for various reasons, especially in a town such as Warminster where people can easily get to Salisbury and Bath, where they perceive there to be a wider choice.

“The increase in business rates has also hit businesses hard, as has the move to online shopping.

“There are grants to help business, though, and we are more than happy to help them apply for them if they come to us.”

Two banks are also on the brink of closure, with HSBC closing in May and NatWest in October.