Scope in Hitchin shut its doors yesterday and the unit is now up to let by estate agents Aitchison Raffety.

The charity claims it was a "very hard decision" to close its Market Place shop after years of service in the town.

Scope has said it is very sad to close its Market Street store.Scope has said it is "very sad" to close its Market Street store. (Image: Dan Mountney) Debbie Boylen, head of retail at the disability equality charity, said: “We were very sad to close our charity shop in Market Place, Hitchin.

"We have had such incredible support from this wonderful and generous community.

"We never take the decision to close our stores lightly, recognising the impact it has on both our store teams, volunteers and our customers, so it was a very hard decision and not one we took lightly."

The 1,286 Sq Ft unit at 30 Market Place is to let for £36,500 per year - estate agents described the retail unit as a Grade II-listed building in a "prime" location with "high footfall".

According to Debbie, due to changes in the retail landscape in Hitchin the store "no longer remained viable" to trade.

This was highlighted by the cost of living crisis and the pandemic, which placed "enormous pressure" on stores trading on high streets across the UK.

“While providing a valuable service to the local community, our shops role is to raise vital funds so the charity can continue to provide vital support services for the country’s 16 million disabled people and their families," she added.