CRISIS meetings are being arranged to help save a part of town which is “dying”.

Priory Walk in Colchester, which has 18 units, has been described by shop owners as run down and derelict.

Of the 18 units, seven are closed, and clothing shop Peacocks is due to close on July 12.

Dean Walker opened the Back to the 60s cafe there about 14 weeks ago and said he is concerned for the future of businesses.

He said: “Shops can’t make any money here due to the condition of the area.

“We are stuck in the middle of a deserted walkway with no shops open.The only people who come down here are those going to Sainsbury’s.

“I’m hoping it picks up but I don’t know how long we can go on. As much as I love this place, we need something to be done to keep going.”

Colchester councillors have recognised the area needs serious investment and are trying to arrange talks with the owners of the buildings.

Tim Young (Lab), councillor responsible for business, said he has concerns about the lack of investment there.

Mr Goss (Lib Dem), who is responsible for infrastructure, said the council would give the owners “a kick up the backside”.

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Mr Goss said: “It comes up time and time again. My issue is with the cleanliness as it reflects badly on the town centre.

“It’s letting it down and we need to see what the owners can do. I understand there are plans for new shops which are commercially sensitive.

“We have started to see the benefits of investment in the town but that area needs some attention and we are going to give them a kick up the backside.”

However, there is hope as businesses have shown interest in some vacant units.

Priory Walk belongs to Mountcrest Associates. Jonathan Reubin, local agent in matters relating to the lettings of the vacant space, said things were starting to look positive.

He said there was “serious interest” in the former Superdrug unit, as well as the Shoe Fayre, nutrition and health shop and Scholls.

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He added: “The main problem with this part of the town has been a stalled regeneration scheme and the council not amending their plans.

“Further investment will be made in Priory Walk but clients need to know and have confidence in the Colchester and Essex councils to carry out their plans and duties quickly to good standards.

“Lack of openness and communication are problems my clients have to deal with.”

With Curzon cinema opening just around the corner, and further developments at St James’ House and St Nicholas Square, it is hoped the area will be uplifted.

The vacant and occupied shops in Priory Walk are as follows:

CLOSED:

n Hawkin’s Bazaar

n Scholl

n Fitness and Weight Management

n Shoe Fayre

n Superdrug

n St Helena Hospice pop up charity shop

n Peacocks (Closing July 12)

n Deja Brew’s second cafe

OPEN:

n Holland and Barrett health shop

n The Cake Story

n Foot Clinic

n Day Lewis Pharmacy

n Polish market

n Sainsbury’s

n Back to the 60s cafe

n Man and Mary’s Salon

n TL Nail Bar

n Piatto coffee shop