The businesses NOT opening as we emerge from Covid lockdown

Non-essential shops can re-open from today, and pub gardens will once again welcome thirsty customers.

But, sadly, there are some gaping holes, left by the businesses that didn't make it.

Those who haven't ventured into Newport for a while will be in for a shock at the dozens of empty premises.

• LIVE blog as Isle of Wight businesses reopen

In October we reported more than 40 empty retail premises, and that figure has since got worse.

One of the biggest losses was the central Co-op, on Pyle Street and South Street, and along with it the town's main Post Office.

It closed in early February and there is still no Post Office in the centre of the Island's county town.

The site of the former long-serving High Street Post Office was taken over a few years ago by restaurant chain Prezzo, which also closed during the pandemic. The iconic building is currently unoccupied.

The loss of Prezzo came after the closure of Pizza Express, occupying a big chunk of corner on Town Lane and Pyle Street. This site also remains empty.

• The County Press compiled a list of remaining pizza outlets in Newport.

One of the first casualties was Laura Ashley, which blamed coronavirus when it closed as the pandemic began.

The firm said the virus outbreak 'has had an immediate and significant impact on trading'.

It had been in talks with its lenders about accessing sufficient money to allow it to continue trading — but then said it would not get those funds in time.

Laura Ashley in Newport. Picture: Google Maps.

The huge ATS Euromaster site on South Street didn't open after the first lockdown in 2020 and is now on the market.

Another casualty was TopShop, which finally succumbed after months of financial difficulties.

The local team bid goodbye to customers with a note on the door, at the St James Street branch. 

Up the High Street, clothing store Animal closed in September, after a closing down sale.

A favourite of young girls, accessories shop Claire's suddenly closed in December.

Staff put a note in the window, bidding goodbye and thanking customers for their support.

Independent clothing store Mia has now closed in Newport, although retains its shops in Cowes and Ryde.

Adding to the misery for shoppers, parking charges went up on October 15. 

The IW Council said at the time: "The changes are designed to make parking charges fairer and simpler across the Island, ahead of a detailed review of parking facilities and fees.

"Mindful of the impact of coronavirus, the council has held back from implementing the adjustments for as long as possible at considerable cost to its budget position."

The Conservative Party announced what it hopes to do for Newport in the future, to regenerate the town, including a Riverside Quarter of new homes and potentially knocking down County Hall.

There has been some opposition to the idea.