The Cheap Street shop sold hippy clothes and accessories to teenaged girls, but moved out last week – but not before leaving this explanatory note in the window.

“Trading in Newbury has been difficult during the past three years. This is mainly due to the ongoing pedestrianisation and the so-called ‘Vision of Newbury.’

“We feel that this vision excludes the independent shops and shoppers by the loss of parking and accessibility to the town.

“We hope that Newbury can withstand the changes that are being made and retain its market town identity. Unfortunately, the decline of customers to Newbury has meant that we can no longer afford to keep this branch open."

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure and thank you for your support."

Creating more fashion outlets is crucial in the fight to stop teenagers going to Reading at the weekends. It is hoped the Park Way shopping centre and Camp Hopson revamp will create a buzz.

Sunflower was one of the opponents to the new cinema, which some traders claimed would replace convenient parking spaces with a trek through the multi-storey.

The unit is believed to be owned by British Gas, and was sub-let to Sunflower three years ago. Sunflower is keeping its Andover shop open.