Winchester News Online
Major blow to Winchester High Street as Debenhams set to close
The iconic chain of department stores, Debenhams, “regretfully” entered the liquidation process after JD Sports pulled out of last ditch rescue talks to purchase the retailer on 1st December.
The retailer, which is currently one of the biggest stores in Winchester, has been in administration since April this year.
The company released a statement saying: “On conclusion of this process, if no alternative offers have been received, the UK operations will close.”
It is now believed that the company, which is 242 years old, will close all stores and permanently cease trading early next year, with 12,000 workers set to lose their jobs.
The retailer is set to follow a trend of businesses vacating Winchester high street in recent times, with coffee giant Starbucks closing their store in March.
On 2nd December, the Debenhams website crashed as it was overwhelmed by an influx of shoppers looking to find a bargain online.
A clearance sale was announced at 7am, but by midday the website could not handle the volume of traffic, with customers greeted by a message stating “we’re sorry – our site’s not available right now”.
Geoff Rowley of FRP Advisory, the joint administrator to Debenhams and partner at FRP, said: “The decision to move forward with a closure programme has been carefully assessed and, while we remain hopeful that alternative proposals for the business may yet be received, we deeply regret that circumstances force us to commence this course of action.”
For the time being, the store which has been a staple to the Winchester shopping scene for many years, will continue to trade, as will the 123 other Debenhams stores.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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