Sadness as Battle newsagents announces plans to close

Martin's, in High Street, Battle, will cease trading in May 2021.

McColl's, the store's owner and operator, said it 'regretfully' took the decision to close after exploring 'all options'.

A McColl’s spokesperson said: “Having explored all options, regretfully we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the lease at the McColl’s store in Battle. The store’s last day of trading will be Friday 7th of May 2021.

“We are saddened to no longer be operating the store and our priority has been to support all affected colleagues.”

The shop has had a vital presence in Battle, operating long opening hours to accommodate the early morning work force.

Kim Usher, a customer at the shop, praised the staff who 'made time for all their customers' and 'knew nearly all their names'.

Encouraging residents to fight against the decision, she said: "Time for another battle in Battle. We have done really well supporting our little shops during the pandemic and think this would be a huge loss to the community."

Kim said she was 'surprised and disappointed' to hear about the plans to close the shop and has written to Jonathan Miller, the chief executive of McColl's, asking him to reconsider the decision.