Families in need could face a ‘massive hit’ after the loss of another city centre shop in Carlisle, a councillor warned.

National supermarket brand Iceland Foods closed its city centre branch on Lowther Street on Saturday and one city councillor is worried over the loss of the store, saying it will have a big impact on lower-income families.

Louise Atkinson, who is a Labour councillor for Cathedral and Castle ward, said: “It was helpful for people who don’t have transport to be able to access that kind of shopping in the city centre, so I would imagine it’s going to impact those people the most.

“I’ve always seen it [the Carlisle store] busy, so it is a store that’s been well used.

“I do think many people are going to miss it.

“Food poverty is a huge issue for many families, particularly those with small children.

“That opportunity to shop in a store that is particularly good value for money is going to be a massive hit for people.

“It’s a concern what impact that that is going to have for families.”

Businesses both large and small have suffered in the city of late, with other big names like Debenhams closing their doors for the final time.

Clothing-retail company H&M has also recently announced that it would be closing its Carlisle store and Mrs Atkinson conceded that it was a worry to see shops closing as coronavirus restrictions ease and shoppers are expected to return in greater numbers to high streets.

Mrs Atkinson added: “It is beginning to become a bit of a concern.

“It’s something the city council have always kept an eye on, but it is uncharted territory that we’re entering into post-Covid.

“The city council has been there to support businesses and will continue to do so, but its about us all trying to work together to come out of this and have a vibrant and successful city centre as we have done in the past.”

Another Labour councillor for Cathedral and Castle, Peter Sunter, said: “It’s always a blow when there’s yet another shop shutting its doors.

“I’m hoping that the Iceland workers have been able to find jobs and that maybe Iceland itself has found work for them in their other stores.”