TWO local pottery makers are concerned for the state of Trowbridge’s business scene, after they say they were refused the use of a unit in Castle Place for a pop-up shop, and then saw a charity shop using the premises.

Simon and Lynda Evans run a small business, Artykids Pottery Painting, which they have been trying to grow, and were shocked to see Bath Cats and Dogs Homes in the unit they were turned down for just weeks previously.

The pair were hoping to set up a pop-up shop before taking on the unit lease permanently.

Mr Evans said: “We are simply paint and make, no firing, no kilns, so we were surprised the lease was refused.

“Whilst we have no problem with the charity using the premises and wish them all the best, it always seems to be the charity shops who get the deals and openings that us small traders don’t get.

“With that end of town rapidly going downhill you would think any offer of trading would benefit the landlord and help the town centre, especially as we need to try our idea out first with a view to taking on an empty shop full time.”

It is understood that the landlord later gave a one-week use of the unit, close to the Market Place entrance, to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, which they often do for local charities.

Daniel Mead, head of shopping centre assets at Castle Place, said: “We have no business in turning away potential tenants, especially local traders.

“Some of our tenants started as pop-up shops and we are always willing to consider them, perhaps there was miscommunication with our agents.

“I would be willing to speak to the pottery company in regards to moving forward with a possible pop-up shop.”