I’VE followed the fortunes (or otherwise) of Beales in Bournemouth

There are many associated issues as to why it now finds itself in this predicament.

The future of two other major stores in the town centre are also I would suggest hanging on by a thread, namely Debenhams and Dingles

  • Online shopping.
  • High overheads - business rates, rents, staff costs etc
  • Out of town shopping centre i.e. Castlepoint – where there is free parking
  • Town centre car parking charges

Yes of course it would be a sad day to witness the total demise of Beales.

There has to be radical thinking to stop the possible closure of these stores

One of the answers could be a scaled down version of all three of these stores and all be accommodated in one building.

Beales is probably the most modern premises, having risen from the ashes and rebuilt in the 1950’s having been flattened during the war.

If only Beales could change its name to Harrods - they wouldn’t have a problem!

Marks & Spencer pulled out of Bournemouth town centre a year ago and their premises still lie vacant.

No easy solutions, but change has to happen.

CHRIS MAYNE

Former councillor and mayor of Bournemouth

Stourwood Avenue, Bournemouth