Letchworth companies have urged people to keep the faith in a street which has seen three businesses announce their closure in the space of a month.

Independent retailers will be in shorter supply on The Wynd this summer with Tumble Tent, a soft play area for under-sixes, and studio Craft Cocoon having decided to cease trading in the last 10 days.

Funkydory Clothing, which sells new and second-hand children’s and maternity garments, is clearing its stock and will be closing down on May 23.

However Rebecca Leek, who is director of Rhapsode which runs Dot to Dot art gallery and cafe in The Wynd, insists it is not all doom and gloom at the retail spot.

“Footfall is very low and The Wynd is not a thoroughfare, but if you have a diverse business model, a destination which loyal customers will visit and a niche shop you can certainly succeed,” she said.

“Just like System Restore next door to us, we work hard and we are doing well.

“If people do come down to The Wynd, they will love it, so there needs to be trust in us and then we won’t get complacent.”

Love Letchworth operations director James Peachey said: “It is very disappointing to see businesses closing down in the town centre and I hope that the owners and their staff manage to move on to new, exciting things quickly.

“The reasons for closure vary but it’s clear that these are challenging times for high street retail.

“To move forward successfully, it will be vital that landlords, businesses and the community pull-together and support each other.

“Letchworth is a great town and we must not lose sight of all the positive elements it does offer and could offer if we work together.”

Heritage Foundation portfolio manager Matthew Foulis said: “As a landlord we are supportive of offering flexible accommodation and terms to support new businesses.

“It is still a challenging environment but The Wynd is home to a great range of innovative businesses which are growing and thriving.”