Peacocks has closed its Pontypool store after more than two decades of trading, dealing another blow to the Welsh town’s high street.

The brand pulled down the shutters on the branch for the final time on Wednesday 19 August, leaving shoppers to travel around five miles to its nearest store at Cwmbran Shopping Centre.

Peacocks said the decision to exit the town had “not been taken lightly” and thanked customers and the local community for supporting the store during its more than 20 years of trading.

The value fashion chain said it was consulting with employees affected by the closure and supporting them through the process.

It added that it had no immediate plans to reopen in Pontypool, although it would consider returning if a suitable opportunity became available in the future.

The closure has prompted concerns among local traders and residents about declining footfall in the town centre, with businesses fearing the loss of a major high street name could give shoppers another reason to travel elsewhere.

Torfaen Borough Council said individual store closures were commercial decisions for retailers but insisted it remained committed to supporting Pontypool town centre and creating conditions in which local businesses could thrive.

Regeneration work in the area includes plans to transform a derelict church into an events venue in an effort to attract more visitors into the town.

Peacocks currently operates more than 340 stores nationwide, according to its website.

Despite the Pontypool exit, Peacocks is continuing to invest elsewhere in its bricks-and-mortar estate, with new stores listed as coming soon in Hull’s Prospect Centre and Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre in Leicester.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter