Victoria Eyton party supplies in Callington is set to close at the end of this month as owner blames parking charges for drop in footfall.
Owner Tricia Stephenson said that new parking charges introduced by Cornwall Council and the removal of the first hour free parking has resulted in a 40% drop in footfall, meaning she has made the difficult decision to close the store.
Tricia, who runs the shop with her daughter, Victoria Earl, says she has seen a dramatic drop in business. She told The Sun: “This time last year things were going so well we were looking for bigger premises to expand. The minute they started charging, customers were coming in saying they wouldn’t be coming any more because of the charge.
“We were instantly down on takings by 25 to 30%. Some weeks it’s been 40% down on the same period last year, which is just not sustainable.”
Victoria Eyton will still be offering a balloon service online and via its Facebook page. Tricia and Vicky said in a Facebook post: “We thanks you for the support you have given us these last six years and hope to have your continued support as we move forward in a different way.”
