(Image: Mike Simmonds)
Independent shop owners are calling for more “variety” as fewer unique businesses fill the high street.
On Cavendish Street in Keighley, some traders say the loss of variety and reduction in footfall is harming trade.
Sandwich shop owner Nichola Crabtree now closes on what many would assume to be the busiest day of the week.
Claire Ducey outside Audrey Asquith
(Image: Mike Simmonds)
Ms Crabtree, who runs A Reyt Good Sarnie, said: "I’ve stopped opening on a Saturday.
"It’s just too quiet.
"We don’t get a lot of passing trade."
The business owner is calling for action to attract more visitors to the town centre.
She said: "It would be nice to have some pop-up shops, just to get people coming into the town and onto the high street again.
"People seem to get on the bus, just to get off and go home again."
Ms Crabtree is one of several traders who believe a lack of retail diversity is putting off shoppers.
She said: "There’s nothing down here unless someone wants a vape or a haircut."
A view of Cavendish Street
(Image: Mike Simmonds)
Chris Day and Paul O’Neill, who run estate agency Day & Co and have traded on Cavendish Street for nine years, agree that too few options are available.
Mr Day said: "When we moved in, Bargain Booze was the only off-licence on the street.
"There was also a café up here, run by a local couple.
"And the DIY shop next door."
These businesses have since closed.
Mr O’Neill said: "It would be nice to have a bit more variety.
"We do miss having other independent businesses around us.
"How many of the same shop does one street need?
"There’s nothing to come down here for now, other than the train station."
Further along the street is Audrey Asquith Florists, run by Claire and David Ducey for the last 12 years.
Ms Ducey said: "All I want to see is the shops full, but maybe not full of what they are now.
"We’ve been here for 12 years, and there was a massive difference between now and then.
"Every shop was full, and there was a huge variety in what was there."
She believes economic and cultural changes, not any specific type of shop, are to blame for the decline.
Ms Ducey said: "It's not like vape shops, for example, are the main issue.
"It’s unfair to pinpoint any one business as the problem.
"Online shopping has a lot to do with it too."
She remains hopeful that the street can regain its former energy if the community and shoppers lend their support.
Ms Ducey said: "If you come and support them, they will be able to stay here and thrive."
Mr Ducey suggested targeted support for small business owners could help turn things around.
He said: "The council should be encouraging people by giving grants to small business owners.
"There should also be more to encourage younger people, too, to take on these buildings."
Despite the downturn, some remain positive about the street’s future.
Rebecca Severs, who runs Three Little Birds Bakery, said: "I feel like all the independent shops down here have a good relationship with each other.
"We’ve all got each other’s backs.
"The way I see it, at least they’re not empty units."