ONE of Colchester town centre’s most historic town centre shops is closing its doors permanently after 37 years.
Music Warehouse in St John’s Street, will be shutting for the final time over the coming weeks after owners Lou and Sue Moodie made the decision to sell the premises.
Despite having a record year for sales during lockdown, Mr Moodie said the time had come for the couple to retire.
The 65-year-old also said the new cycle lane in St John’s Street, installed as part of Essex County Council’s Safer, Greener, Healthier project, had been a contributing factor in the couple’s decision.
He said: “To be honest we had a better year last year than we have had for five years or so selling online. But we have been thinking of retiring for a while.
“Part of the decision to be honest was what Essex Highways have done outside the shop.
“The cycle lane down here has made it impossible for me to unload as there’s nowhere to park.
“My delivery drivers keep complaining.
“On top of that I have offices elsewhere in the town centre and I transport things to and from the shop twice a day.
“Because of the High Street closure to cars I am having to go right round the town every single time.
“I spoke to highways to see if I could get an exemption and told them we wouldn’t be able to survive without a loading bay outside my premises, but both requests were denied.”
