MP says town needs to be "ambitious to turn things around" after shop shuts
Accrington's MP has said 'we need an ambitious vision to turn things around' following the closure of another high street brand in the town centre.
Retailer Select Fashion has closed 35 shops across the UK since the beginning of the month, with the Accrington branch amongst those to be shut earlier this month.
The group has drafted in advisors to oversee the liquidation process, having quietly trimmed down its estate since the start of last year.
The loss of the Accrington branch marks another town centre business that has closed, following WHSmiths and Boots shutting down over the last 12 months.
MP for Hyndburn, Sarah Smith, said: 'It's really disappointing to hear that Select Fashion in Accrington is closing.
"It's a shop I've used myself, and this is bad news for our town centre.
Sarah Smith is Labour MP for Hyndburn (Image: Parliament) 'Accrington was once a vibrant and thriving place, and we clearly need an ambitious vision to turn things around.
"Other towns have managed to recover their local economies, and there's no reason we can't do the same.'
Earlier this month, the town was earmarked for £20 million in funding under the plans for neighbourhoods' scheme, which is aimed at boosting communities and creating new opportunities.
It aims to ensure residents are in control of funding, which can be used to revitalise high streets, improve parks and youth clubs and support cultural venues.
Mrs Smith added: "There are already some exciting plans in motion, like the £20m we've secured for the town centre, money local people will have a say in how to invest.
'I'm working hard every single day to make Accrington a place people want to visit, shop in, and spend their money.
'We need to fight for our high street, and I'll keep pushing to make sure we do."
READ MORE: Small businesses could get a retail unit for £1 in new government plan
READ MORE: Once-bustling shopping centre now in "dreadful" state with weeds and leaky roof
Select fell into administration in 2019 before being rescued by Genus UK. It is now owned by Turkish businessman Cafer Mahiroglu.
The company reported a pre-tax loss of £1.1 million for the year to the end of February 2023, according to its most recently filed accounts.
It previously flagged it was being squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis, wage pressure, and higher taxes, on top of a tougher economic climate.
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