A FAMILY-RUN shop which has been based in Letchworth GC for more than a decade will close at the end of the month, with the owner labelling the town’s footfall as “rubbish”.

Outdoor and ski wear suppliers Base Camp One will do its last day of trading in its Leys Avenue store on Saturday before reverting to an online only business.

“We’ve been in Letchworth since 1997 and the footfall has been rubbish,” said Audrey Imber, owner of Base Camp One. “We’re finding our internet sales are helping to keep the shop open. If we were anywhere else - even Hitchin - we would have a much busier business.”

Base Camp One was initially based in The Arcade, before moving to Leys Avenue premises which they left for another unit in the road because of high rent.

Mrs Imber added: “People don’t shop in Letchworth - they come to drink coffee but they don’t shop.

“I’ve got a good loyal customer base and they’re sorry that we are closing but hopefully they will use the website.”

Responding to the news, Letchworth GC town centre manager Lee Boswell said: “Base Camp One is a truly unique shop and it is a real shame to see them leave the high street. I wish them all the best for their future success.”

Gift and greeting card shop Rose and Dylan is also set to close its Letchworth GC premises in Eastcheap in the coming weeks after three years in the town.

Several of the staff were formerly at David’s Gift Shop, which traded in Eastcheap for 25 years.Rose and Dylan, which deals with hundreds of local craftsmen, plans to shut its doors for the last time on February 12 because of financial difficulties.