Aberystwyth’s high street looks set to be dealt another blow this week with fears over the future two more premises.

It is believed that both bookmakers Coral, on the corner of Great Darkgate Street and Bridge Street, and clothing store M&Co on the main Great Darkgate Street shopping strip, will not reopen when lockdown ends.

A sign in the window of Coral states: “Sorry, we’re closed” and directing customers to their next nearest shop in Cardigan.

Aberystwyth county councillor Ceredig Davies, who also has a shop on Great Darkgate Street, said he was sorry to see jobs go: “I am sorry to see people losing their jobs at such a difficult time, though personally I have little sympathy or support of the gambling industry, an industry that has become all-invasive within our society over recent years.

“With gambling going more and more online, the government needs to confront the misery caused by gambling head on.”

The Cambrian News also understands that staff at M&Co have been told that the store would not be reopening.

The fashion chain’s long-established store in Aberystwyth was one of more than 200 of the company’s UK outlets to be saved in August, following a financial restructuring of the company which saw 47 stores close nationally.

The company, which has had a presence in the town for over 20 years, appointed administrators in April as the coronavirus outbreak forced the closure of most UK retailers for almost four months.

But despite that summer reprieve, fresh fears about the future of the shop have arisen.

Cllr Davies added, on the closure of M&Co: “It is a reflection of the times that we are not surprised when a large long-established shop like M&Co decides to close.

“Again our sympathy must go to the staff who will be losing their jobs.

“The Welsh Government is not helping things in the short term by allowing the large supermarkets shortly, to sell their complete range of goods while denying other retailers the opportunity to trade.

“Such a decision shows their complete lack of understanding on how the retail industry works.”

The Cambrian News has contacted both M&Co and Coral.

The new fears come just weeks after the closure of Clarks shoe shop on the same street.