House of Fraser closes Shrewsbury store

Department store House of Fraser closed its Shrewsbury branch on Saturday after 150 years of trading in the town.

The chain went into administration last year, but there was hope the Shrewsbury store would be saved when Sports Direct took over in August.

However, it was decided the store should close with the Telford branch, 15 miles away, remaining open.

Richard Sheehan, chief executive of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, told BBC News it was unlikely the town would have a department store again because the world of retail is changing.

He said: “I think the building is iconic, it is located strategically in the middle of town and I think it is highly likely it will become multi-use – with offices, accommodation and independent units within it.”