Saturday, May 17, 2008
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BUSINESSES CONCERNED AS OPTICIAN HAS TO CLOSE

By Emily Pearce - Friday, May 9, 2008
THE closure of the only optician in Bembridge has been met with dismay by residents.
Dencer-Brown Opticians, which has been in the village for 25 years and occupies the same building as the council chamber, will close in August following the sale of the premises by Bembridge Parish Council.
Willemina Hagenauw, former chairman of Bembridge Business Association, said: “The building will probably be used for residential purposes now, when it should be a village amenity. It’s not right. Lots of people use the optician. He serves a purpose here. Bembridge has lots of lovely shops and it should be kept that way.”
Current chairman Robert Pigot added: “We are aware of this loss and recognise the impact it might have on the community.”
Parish council clerk Liz Murray said: “We have to sell the building. It is not compatible with disability laws and it is not fit for purpose. I don’t think people want us to waste money on bringing it up to scratch. We are a public body and we have to be accessible, so we need a new parish office.
“We have bought a new property in Foreland Road and we are still discussing the future of the opticians.”
Optician Jonathan Dencer-Brown, who also owns practices in Ryde and Sandown, said: “Everything has been up in the air. I received a notice to quit the property, then I was told I might be able to stay at an increased rent and, in the end, I felt I had to make a decision. It’s a shame, because I have enjoyed working here.”
Mrs Murray said it was up to the parish council to ensure it was getting the best from its assets but Mr Dencer-Brown replied: “It’s not about getting the highest possible rent, it’s about retaining services. That’s what will benefit the village.”