Bournemouth shoppers share their views on the health of the town centre

After losing branches of Lidl, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, H&M, New Look, Wilko, and Beales, shoppers fear things "are going to get worse" in months to come. 

One shopper believes the rising cost of energy bills is going to further damage the health of the town centre. 

Lucas Holden, 24, said: “I think town has become very run down, more shop just keep closing. I love Bournemouth, but it isn’t known for its shopping. I normally go to Southampton with my girlfriend if we want a shopping day out."

"I can only assume that things are going to get worse in months to come with businesses struggling to pay energy bills."

READ MORE: Energy price rises for business leave some struggling to survive

A second shopper believes online shopping is the main cause of the town centre shops closing. Shivani Acharya, 29, said: “Its sad to see lots of shops going, I think it's not just happening in Bournemouth though it seems to be happening in a lot of places.

"Online shopping is how most people buy their stuff now, so I assume things are not going to improve any time soon."

Another shopper agreed that there aren't many shops to choose from, but there are plenty of "lovely" places to eat.

Lisa Fitzgibbons, 59, said: “There lots of lovely places to eat here, I like all the pop-up places in the Lower Gardens, but I don’t think there much to offer shops wise."

READ MORE: Lidl to close in Bournemouth town centre

In contrast, another shopper believes the amount of food places in the town is "depressing". 

David Howarth, 45, said: “Something needs to be done to sort out the area, restaurants and cafes are taking over, soon there will be no shops left, it’s depressing walking down here and just seeing a load of fast-food places.”

However, another shopper believes the town centre has lots to offer.

Alice Stevens, 54, said: “There are lots of places to stop and get a coffee, and loads of shops to wander around.”