ONE of the traders in the Castle Place shopping centre has moved out into new retail premises in Trowbridge.

Phoenix Computer Systems has taken retail shop premises in Roundstone Street opposite the old Post Office building.

The company’s owner, Shaun Clarke, says he had “little alternative” but to move in January after experiencing a decline in footfall at Castle Place over the past few months.

He said: “We had been planning to move since July last year.

Wiltshire Times: Shaun Clarke and Liam Ingrim, of Phoenix Computer Systems."Business has picked up really well in the last few weeks. November and December in the Castle Place market hall was really dire.”

Mr Clarke acquired Phoenix Computer Systems in 2008 from its previous owner Paul Warwick. The company had traded in the Castle Place market hall for 21 years since April 2003.

Mr Clarke added: “The move has been very well received. It is very convenient for people and there is parking not far away.

"We now have street-level exposure instead of being down in the market hall where very few people ventured. Already, we have seen a few fresh faces."

He is now focusing on developing the skills of his apprentice Liam Ingrim and is taking on more electronics work from customers.