Reinvent or perish ... the choice facing Bexhill town centre

That was the message for traders this week following the shock news that one of the town centre's biggest shops is to close tomorrow.

Courts Furnishers (pictured) is the latest in a growing legion of national retail chains to abandon town centres in favour of out-of-town shopping parks.

Its departure will leave a giant gap in St Leonards Road to add to the already significant number of empty shops in the town.

Regeneration chief Malcolm Mitcheson said the town centre "has got to change its character to survive or it will perish."

Chamber of Commerce secretary Sue Spice said Bexhill needed to learn lessons from other town centres if it is to avoid a bleak future.

She explained: "This is a big loss but typical of what is happening in many town centres, which are seeing an increasing number of empty or low-quality shops.

"We can only hope someone useful takes the premises. We can't really hope for another big retail outlet but wouldn't it be great if someone like Wetherspoon's moved in?

"The successful town centres are the ones with specialist, unique and high quality shops, a good selection of service industries such as hair and beauty and a healthy cafe bar culture.

"Bexhill is behind in some aspects but we already have a good number of family run and one-off shops and the cafe culture is emerging.

"Bexhill is different precisely because we don't have all the big names in the High Street and it's that individuality we need to sell."

Improving quality at existing shops has been identified as a priority and the Chamber is to offer specialist training in customer service, merchandising, sales and recruitment funded by European and government grants.

Sue added: "If people get good service they come back, that's fact, so it's great news for Bexhill town centre to get financial and business help like this."

Improving transport access and safety have been identified as another way to bring in trade and East Sussex County Council begins work on Monday to widen pavements, improve crossings and revamp the overall look of the Devonshire Road streetscape as part of a 250,000 scheme.

That follows the part-pedestrianisation of Devonshire Square early this year.

Sue Spice added: "These improvements and investment are welcome, but I do think Devonshire Square needs more of a focus, as well as seating which I know is on the way."

Bexhill Regeneration Partnership chairman Malcolm Mitcheson said: "The closure of Courts is more to do with the fact that that business is struggling to compete rather than a reflection on Bexhill.

"That said, the town centre has got to change its character to survive or it will perish.

"We need to be much more niche oriented rather than focus on mainstream shopping.

"The evening and weekend economy is also not currently being exploited to its full potential.

"We need to improve the quality of existing shops and perhaps reduce the size of the central shopping area.

"Shopping is now a major leisure activity and we need to take a holistic approach to making it convenient for people to shop in our town centre."

Trader Ian Standley, at Dray's electrical shop in Western Road, added: "Losing Courts is a blow but I agree that, short of major redevelopment, specialism and quality are the way forward for Bexhill.

"People do not mind coming from far afield for a nice day's shopping at the seaside if they know they're getting good quality and service.

"The town needs to look smart. We need to see good shops which are clean, tidy and well decorated.

"I don't think parking is the problem some people make it out to be."