EMPTY shops, low business confidence and a decline in independent stores are hitting hard on Poole High Street, say traders.

With the credit crunch pinching business everywhere, and the threat of recession looming large, the heart of Poole seems to be suffering already.

Seven High Street shops are empty, and two - Mr Woolpack and Guildhall Florist - are set to close their doors before the end of the month.

Away from the bustling Dolphin Centre, crowds noticeably fall away.

Over the last six months several independent businesses, some with decades of trading behind them, have shut up shop including Servu, a motor accessories retailer, Weigh and Save, and electrical retailer All Grades, as well as Harts Tea Shop and Jazz clothing store.

And just last week Poole Fruits closed and the business moved to a market stall.

Some of those leaving cited high rents and rates, as well as dropping footfall, particularly after the Post Office moved to WHSmith last year.

Will Poole High Street survive?

Poole mayor and chairman of Poole and District Chamber of Trade Jeff Allen runs High Street business Poole Trophies.

He said: "It's hard. Many members are thinking about their long-term future and thinking, Is it worth carrying on?'.

"The problem is small businesses have to pay a far greater proportion of their profits to rents and tax - much more than big companies."

Liz Willingham, chairman of Poole Town Centre Management Board, admitted the High Street's appeal had fallen.

She said: "Business confidence is low along the High Street and this is evident through the number of empty units that can be seen.

"The past couple of years has seen a fewer number of good-quality independent retailers and with it a reduction in the distinctiveness and individuality that has helped to bring in shoppers in the past.

"However, a couple of recent such investments gives encouragement for the future.

"The Poole Town Centre Management Board has commissioned a High Street study to ascertain the current position and perceptions and to look at innovative and effective ways of moving forward to encourage increased investment."