A Bradford on Avon shop is to close its doors next month, as the owner appeals for help to launch a new venture.
Made in Bradford on Avon, a shop selling bespoke designs on Lamb Yard, is due to close on Monday, March 31.
Director Wellie O’Driscoll said that she understands residents will be disappointed with the news.
She said: “Made in Bradford attracts tourists and footfall to the town, and it’s well established. Everybody’s sad it’s going.”
Flooding in November 2024 completely closed off Bradford on Avon town centre, with many businesses left underwater and roads becoming impassable.
The January 2024 floods were labelled the "worst since 2013", with several residents waking up to 12 inches of water in their homes.
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Ms O’Driscoll added: “The floods in Bradford in November were the final straw, shall we say. Seasonal shopping was impacted, and we lost that revenue. Financial, unfortunately with the present model, we have to close.”
Rumours of the impending closure had already been circulating in the community, with commentors reacting to a Facebook post on Spotted in Bradford on Avon on Saturday, February 8.
Tarquine Belle posted: “That is so sad....it has the most talented artists under one roof.”
Chris Browning posted: “So very sad”.
Monique Vanhuizen posted: “The footfall has been so bad last year and the start of this year. I drove back from Bath and there was a large sign saying avoid BoA, which doesn't help! Then the town has been flooded twice, traffic is horrific, weather is just constant rain, with a few nice days.
“The locals, and I'm sure I can speak for us all in BoA, have just been fabulous, but it's not enough.”
Wellie told the Times that although she understands residents love the shop, she is “excited” to have a new opportunity to rethink Made in Bradford on Avon and its role in the community.
“We didn’t start off wanting to do this. Years ago, when we first started, we were supposed to be really involved with the community, doing projects and helping out.
“What happened is that, since Covid, we have turned more and more into more of just a shop selling hand-made products.”
Ms O’Driscoll has now called for members of the community to help her figure out the best way to transform Made in Bradford on Avon into a sustainably-run community art project.
“We want to go back to our roots, bringing the wider community in, including the elderly and the vulnerable.
“I’m putting a plea out to the general public. Are there people out there who run community art projects who would be willing to join us, and do events with us?”
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Wellie insists that this is by no means the end of the road.
“It’s just changing the business the model. We need to look at plans to create a sustainable business model, and set up a vision to get real community involvement.
“Perhaps something like 'Arts Together', a community that comes together to help the elderly make a creative project together. We want lots of buzz and lots of connections.
“I’m appealing to the community to rally. I know they’ll come forward because they’re brilliant.
“Leading up to our closure on the March 31, we’re having a great big sale to give our current members the chance to go out with a big bang and a big wow.
“Don’t forget to support us but watch this space. We’re hoping to come back with more community involvement."
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