A MAYOR concerned has stated he does not want to see any more charity shops or estate agents in his community.Frank Whittle, mayor of Stowmarket, is concerned that the town is losing too many independent retailers and said he wanted real shops that offered a valuable service and would bring custom into the town.

A MAYOR concerned has stated he does not want to see any more charity shops or estate agents in his community.

Frank Whittle, mayor of Stowmarket, is concerned that the town is losing too many independent retailers and said he wanted real shops that offered a valuable service and would bring custom into the town.

Mr Whittle said: “There are now a lot of empty shops in the town and I do not believe that Marks & Spencer have agreed to move in yet either.

“I am very concerned at the loss of the little shops and want to see the empty premises filled with good traders, we do not want any more charity shops and estate agents - we have enough of them. We want real shops, independent traders like B V Hicks electrical store, shops like Hopgoods in the town, we really do need more of these, badly.

“Stowmarket has got too many estate agents and charity shops, we have more than our fair share, and we could do with a lot better quality shops. We really do not need any more cheap £1 shops opening up either.”

Mid Suffolk District Council has recently committed £100,000 to regenerate the town centre with a make-over including new seating, street furniture, and quality paving in an effort to rejuvenate the community.