COLCHESTER High Street has “lost its lure”, according to the owners of Williams & Griffin.

Hugo Fenwick, group trading director of Fenwick, which owns the High Street department store, believes empty and grotty shopfronts should be replaced by “premium” stores.

Mr Fenwick said the town centre was largely effective and appealed to a range of shoppers.

But he said: “I’m afraid the High Street as it is today is a little disappointing."

See Wednesday's Gazette for a special report.