A discount store is set to close next month in a Norfolk market town.
The Original Factory Shop will be closing its Upper Market Street store in Fakenham, with a sign in the shop's window saying it will close for good on Sunday, February 18.
Once the scene of a devastating fire that shook the town, the building which is owned by Aldiss will become vacant following the decision by the high street chain.
A spokesperson for The Original Factory Shop, said: “We regularly review the stores across our estate and unfortunately have taken the decision to close our Fakenham store.
“We are consulting with colleagues at the store and are working hard to support all of those affected.
“We’d like to thank all our customers for their support and look forward to welcoming them at any of our other four stores, which are all located within 20 miles.”
The shop stood empty in Fakenham for four years after the 2014 blaze gutted the building.
It was reopened following a rebuild in August 2018.
It has become heavily involved with the community, from supporting local charity First Focus and The Salvation Army to rehoming the Fakenham Info Hub, run by Active Fakenham, free of charge.
Richard Crook, chair of Active Fakenham, added: “This is sad news for Fakenham, particularly for the staff who work there who have been a tremendous help with the Info Hub and the support they provided.
“The closure is a shame for the town and is going to leave a big gap in the marketplace for us.
“I am now looking for a venue for the Info Hub to move to. If any business is interested they can contact me at my email. This hub provides a service to locals and visitors, can help increase footfall, and it is good for Fakenham to have this service running.”
Mr Crook can be contacted at - richard@activefakenham.org.uk
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