COLWYN BAY shoppers have raised their concerns over a decline in places to go following the permanent closure of the town’s Argos store.

Sainbury’s, which owns the high street retailer, said on Monday that it would close down its standalone stores that had not reopened since March, as well as an extra 300 stores across the UK. It is understood that this includes the store in the BayView Shopping Centre.

The nearest Argos store is now in Llandudno with some Pioneer online readers commenting that this has taken away footfall and made shopping more difficult.

“Since Argos has closed buying from Llandudno or even trying to get a delivery was near impossible,” said Jenny Walker. “Llandudno never had any of the items I wanted, therefore haven’t shopped there since April.”

Another commented: “I didn’t expect the Bay store to reopen. Very sadly, a lot of big businesses are cashing in on the present situation and shifting more operations online.”

Other readers said Colwyn Bay high street was “closing down one shop at a time way before” the lockdown, while another said “all the shops are disappearing”.

“Kiss of death for Colwyn Bay,” added Philip Andrews. “Can’t buy anything here anymore. Knock-on effect is shoppers going to Llandudno unless you want a pound shop.”

Cllr Abdul Khan, county councillor for Colwyn Bay, said the closure was a surprise but he remains optimistic about shopping after the pandemic.

“I think national chain stores like Argos have a role to play in the regeneration of Colwyn Bay and they should reconsider their position,” he said.

“Colwyn Bay is the second largest town in North Wales and at the heart of North Wales, it has good train and bus link.

“The town is undergoing regeneration work both on the promenade and in the town centre, and the opening of numerous cafes like Costa Coffee, many eating establishments as well as privately owned businesses and the new artisan market.

“I would like to invite other national stores to come and invest in Colwyn Bay as this pandemic is not here forever and Colwyn Bay will be the next up-and-coming town for shopping destinations.”