'There are no simple solutions': Town council 'sorry to hear' major brand is leaving Shropshire high street

The Mayor of Bridgnorth has said the town council is “very sorry to hear” that a major brand is leaving the high street.

Mayor Chris Aked made the comments after it was revealed that TG Jones will be closing its Bridgnorth store this autumn.

The store at 40-41 High Street is expected to close on October 13.

On Friday (August 21) a spokesperson for the business confirmed the closure and said that the company appreciated the news “will be disappointing”.

It is understood that the closure follows implementation of TG Jones's court-approved restructuring plan.

TG Jones was known as WHSmith before the private equity firm Modella Capital bought the high street brand in 2025.

Reacting to the announcement, Bridgnorth Town Council issued a statement from Councillor Aked.

It said: “We are very sorry to hear that the Bridgnorth TG Jones store is to close.

“The store, formerly WHSmith, has been a familiar presence on our High Street for many years and its closure will undoubtedly be felt by the town.”

Councillor Aked added: “Most importantly, our thoughts are with the staff affected by this announcement.

“These are local people facing a period of uncertainty, and I am sure many people across Bridgnorth will share our concern for them.”

Mr Aked became Bridgnorth’s mayor in May.

He has been a town councillor since 2021.

The statement shared regarding the TG Jones closure continued by commenting on the issue of empty shops in Bridgnorth.

It said: “While this closure forms part of a much wider national restructuring, we cannot ignore the challenges facing our own High Street.

“Empty premises are a concern to residents, businesses and the town council alike, and the loss of another significant retailer will understandably add to those concerns.”

It added: “Supporting the town centre and strengthening our engagement with local businesses are priorities within the town council’s strategic plan.

“There are no simple solutions to the pressures facing High Streets, but we recognise that the council has a role to play alongside businesses, property owners and other partners in considering what more can be done locally.”

Earlier this year, it was revealed that up to 150 out of the 450 TG Jones stores nationwide could be closed.

Many of TG Jones’s stores are on high streets in towns just like Bridgnorth.

In its statement announcing the closure, a TG Jones spokesperson said: “As part of our work to secure the long-term future of TG Jones, we have confirmed that our Bridgnorth store will close.

“We appreciate this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers and the local community.”

They added: “Our priority now is on supporting those affected colleagues while continuing to serve our customers until the store closes.

“We would like to thank our colleagues in Bridgnorth for their valued contribution to TG Jones.”