Local residents concerned over the future of the high street after Thomas Cook collapse
Palmerston Road in Southsea has suffered again after Thomas Cook collapsed and closed its stores.
The travel agent now adds to the list of empty shops on the dwindling high street.
Back in May, it took a hit when John Lewis closed its Southsea store Knight & Lee after 86 years.
With Debenhams set to close its store in early 2020, local people have raised concerns over the future of the high street.
Anne Strange, who’s lived in Portsmouth most of her life, said: “This used to be a really pleasant place to come and over the years it’s just gone down hill.
“Basically unless you want a cup of coffee, there’s nothing to come down here for.”
Anne is hoping a newsagents or something similar will replace Thomas Cook.
She added: “They definitely need some more ordinary shops that you can buy ordinary things in this area because it’s very limited.”
Asma Begum, 21, said: “A lot of places are being replaced by cafes and restaurants.
“In Southsea there are a lot of tiny boutiques and small companies so it would be quite nice to have it as a workshop or something for the community.”
