WHEN the newsagents E J Teare in South Street, Wellington, suddenly closed more than five years ago, many townsfolk thought it would not be long before it either reopened or another business moved into the shop.

The Lettleys, who had run the shop for 11 years, explained the reason for shutting up shop was alleged problems with its banking provider.

The owners apologised for not being able to give notice to their loyal customers as they hoped they’d be able to find a solution.

Their post added: “It is with sadness and regret that we must announce that E J Teare Newsagents has ceased trading with immediate effect.

“HSBC plc (2016 profit £5.7bn) suddenly and without warning withdrew our overdraft facilities with one week’s notice. A business such as this relies on its cashflow and we were unable to make practical alternative arrangement to continue trading with such short notice.”

Today it is still shut and is an eyesore in the town centre. And as far as I understand, there is no solution at the moment for the empty shop to the smartened up or a new owner moves in. Until then, of course, we will continue to see rubbish bins propping up railings hiding a broken front window.

Read more from Barry Knott in Knott's Notes in this week's Wellington Weekly News