WE shared the news the Whitehaven shop, Little Whims, announced its departure from the high street due to fewer people choosing to shop in the town centre.

Owner Lara Schwab has run the shop for the last six years and said she was going to search for a new challenge, although the shop will continue trading until mid-April.

Here's how our readers reacted.

Sandra Hodson said: "No parking and no toilets, not brilliant for a town that has had some brilliant days in the past that we have enjoyed and travelled for."

READ MORE: Shop announces closure 'due to fewer people choosing to shop in the town centre'

Garry Leary also said: "Parking is definitely the issue here," adding "More on development of the town as a place to actually shop is desperately needed before there's nothing left."

Mark Fox also said free parking would encourage shoppers to visit the town.

Heidi Hilland said: "I would rather buy in my own area but it is now getting to the point it is not worth going to town for. All you get is hairdressers, takeaways, nail bars and now vape shops."

A web user said: "A sign of the times. The high street is finished as a result of customers preferring to shop online. Whilst some towns are clinging desperately to a reasonable shopping experience, Whitehaven has been dead and buried for years."

 

Mark Johnson commented: "It’s looking ridiculously grim for Whitehaven’s shops. Such a sad state of affairs."

Phil Waldron added: "Before long there won't be any shops left in Whitehaven, at least half have gone and a few shops have been empty for at least 10 years."