Wiltshire and Trowbridge councillor Graham Payne said: “I can understand why they are doing it, moving out of town to achieve more car parking. But I think the hole that will be left in the centre will be very difficult to fill.

“They have been there for over 130 years and people of Trowbridge have supported them throughout that time.

“They will be in competition with Currys, the carpet shop and two shops offering household goods at competitive prices.

“What the press release didn’t tell us is if the building had been sold onto another company or whether they were going to rent it out as units for other shops.

“I would like to see Marks and Spencer or BHS. It would really improve the shopping mix.

“What I have done as chairman of the Area Board is invite John Thomson to the next Area Board meeting. One of the questions I have put to him is why can’t he transfer the car parking to Trowbridge Town Council.

“Wouldn’t it be better to have cheaper parking for the shoppers and the employees?

“We feel Trowbridge is just getting off its knees with the new development and appeal for Morrisons next month. We have to ensure the shops we have in the town centre will stay.”