'Deterioration of road' causes Luton opticians to quit town after 115 years

A Luton opticians announced its closure after a difficult year due to coronavirus and the "deterioration of the road" on which it is situated.
Allders closed its doors on Friday, January 15Allders closed its doors on Friday, January 15
Allders closed its doors on Friday, January 15

Allders opticians shut its branch on Chapel Street for good on Friday, January 15, following 115 years in the town.

In a message to customers, general manager Peter Travers said: "We have been situated in Luton since 1905 however, with the current unprecedented circumstances regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the deterioration of the road in which we are located in Luton, we have no option than to say a fond farewell to this branch."

The nearest Allders branches are located at Bedford Road in Barton-le-Clay, High Street North in Dunstable and Station Road in Harpenden.

Do you think Chapel Street is getting worse? Email editorial@lutonnews.co.ukDo you think Chapel Street is getting worse? Email editorial@lutonnews.co.uk
Do you think Chapel Street is getting worse? Email [email protected]

In recent years, Chapel Street has had numerous reports of crime and anti-social behaviour.

A woman died on December 30 after being discovered in Wesley House in the street with a head injury (see here). In June 2019, footage of a man believed to be under the influence collapsing on a car bonnet in Chapel Street was shared thousands of times online and attracted national media attention.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: "There has been a lot of work carried out to tackle and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre and recently the number of reports has declined.

"The neighbourhood enforcement team works closely with the town centre policing team with coordinated patrols in key locations and takes enforcement action against offenders.

"Additional resources have been deployed by the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team along with the recruitment of Covid marshals to deal with such issues.

"Due to the pandemic additional support has also been provided to the homeless to assist them.

"Support and advice businesses facing the current challenges is available through the Luton Business Improvement District and through the council – information can be found at https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Health_and_social_care/coronavirus/business/Pages/default.aspx."

Allders was approached by the Luton News but declined to comment.