A ROMSEY shop which has been open for more than 25 years is set to close.

La Creme located in Latimer Street is due to close on July 18.

The news comes after a sign was put in the shop window stating that the dress agency would be closing "due to retirement."

The sign also detailed the shops opening times up until its final day of trading.

Town Centre Manager, Mark Edgerley said:"This is a business that has been in the town for 25 years which will be sadly missed.

"25 years is a long time to be on the High Street."

President of Romsey Chamber of Commerce Peter Speirs added: "This will be a loss to the town as it has been a popular shop."

The shop is currently up for sale via Primmer Olds at the cost of £11,000.00 for rent Per Annum.

Romsey Town Council tweeted: "This is a lovely small unit at very reasonable rent, great for a start up or business needing small premise on popular walking route into town from main carpark."

The news of the shops closure comes after figures collected by Test Valley Borough Council show that the market town's vacancy rates have plummeted over the past five years.

In October 2013 the vacancy rate for empty retail units in the town was 8.2%, this is in comparison to 3.8% in October 2018.

The vacancy rate of 8% for town centres across the South East and 10.1% across the UK.

David Gleave, economic officer from Test Valley Borough Council described the town's vacancy rate as "enviable."