THERE have been a number of business and shop closures in Crediton in recent weeks, the most recent being the closure of the Betfred bookmakers at 35 High Street.

All signage removed at 35 High Street, where Betfred was located. AQ 5997
All signage removed at 35 High Street, where Betfred was located. AQ 5997 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The betting shop closed with no advance notice and a poster in the window for a few days said that the nearest Betfred could be found at 80 Fore Street, Exeter.

Within the last few days the shop has been emptied and all signage removed.

The empty ELF ’Shelf Life’ shop at 20 High Street, Crediton. AQ 5446
The empty ELF ’Shelf Life’ shop at 20 High Street, Crediton. AQ 5446 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

There has been a betting shop in Crediton for many years and Betfred says that the shop is now permanently closed.

Also recently closed was the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) “Shelf Life” charity shop at 20 High Street.

Previously Molly Southwood, Chief Executive Officer at ELF said: "Due to rising costs and decreasing profits, we have taken the difficult decision to close both our 'Shelf Life' shops, based in Crediton and Exminster.

Meeples Corner, which has now closed down. AQ 6020
Meeples Corner, which has now closed down. AQ 6020 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

King’s Barbers has a new home next door to its previous shop. AQ 6015
King’s Barbers has a new home next door to its previous shop. AQ 6015 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“Our first priority is to the patients and families that we support, and as shop profits decrease, we must redirect resources to raising funds elsewhere.

“This decision affects only our retail shops; our patient services and the charity will continue as normal."

Molly added: "The shops have been an important part of ELF for many years, and we are very grateful for the time and dedication provided by our Retail Staff and Volunteers in that time.

“Thank you too to the people of Crediton for shopping with us and the many donations they have provided for us to sell."

Other recent closures have included Meeples Corner in Union Road, Mel’s Diner, the cafe and restaurant and there have also been some businesses which have moved.

One of the High Street tattoo shops recently moved to a new location and King’s Turkish Barbers recently moved to bigger premises next door.

Mid Devon Mobility has a new home at 99 High Street, Crediton. AQ 6007
Mid Devon Mobility has a new home at 99 High Street, Crediton. AQ 6007 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Mid Devon Mobility has also moved to a more accessible High Street location at 99 High Street.

COMING SOON

While there have been changes, Crediton High Street will see some exciting new businesses moving into some of the empty shops soon, details coming in the very near future.

The High Street also looks cleaner and tidier after a number of businesses have spruced up their shop fronts.

Mid Devon District Council Shopfront Enhancement Scheme has issued grants to a number of shops to help businesses.

A J Cox Butchers lovely new shop front. AQ 6018
A J Cox Butchers lovely new shop front. AQ 6018 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

A J Cox, butchers of 16 High Street, was one of the recipients and the business thanks Duncan and Dan of DLD Construction for transforming its shop front from a dark brown to a light blue.

Antalya Turkish Barber has also had a recent change of colour of its shop front.

All together, Crediton’s High Street is still alive and well and despite the changes, there are still many independents and a mixture of other businesses for shoppers to enjoy.