Promoting the best aspects of Diss

A local campaign has been launched urging traders to promote the positive aspects of a Norfolk market town, despite the closure of two national chain stores.

A local campaign has been launched urging traders to promote the positive aspects of a Norfolk market town, despite the closure of two national chain stores.

Birgitte Mager, of Diss Publishing Co, is calling for retailers to unite in a poster campaign stating 'I can get it in Diss'.

It follows a notice put up in the Subway sandwich shop in Mere Street, which closed last week, stating: 'Unfortunately, current financial conditions combined with the decline in retail stores within Diss town centre has made it no longer viable for us to continue trading here.' The store employed three people.

A company spokesman said: 'The Diss Subway store was run as a local business by local entrepreneurs. The owners were multiple Subway store operators who are experienced at running successful Subway stores. Unfortunately the Diss store was not feasible and it is with regret that it has closed. The franchisees are looking to relocate and potentially open a new store in Bury.'

The Thresher Wine Shop, also in Mere Street, closed on January 21.

A spokesman for the Thresher Group said: 'Local market changes coupled with operating cost increases mean we can no longer operate this store profitably and therefore we have made the decision to close. We are currently working with the five staff at the store to redeploy their roles within the group where possible.'

Diss Business Forum is holding its annual meeting on February 17 when guest speakers will be explaining ways to help small businesses generally. Forum spokesman Jenna Cox said the meeting was a 'must attend ' for all businesses in the area, concerned about the present and the future.