READERS have expressed their desire for more shops as last week marked the end of an era, with Barrow’s Debenhams shutting its doors for the final time.

Shoppers described the closure as a ‘sad day’ for the town as the Portland Walk department store had its last-ever clearance sale.

The Portland Walk store is one of 124 stores closing in the UK – 52 of which shut their doors permanently on May 8.

The remaining stores closed for the final time on Saturday

The 242-year-old chain collapsed at the end of last year, with the closure of all its stores confirmed after Boohoo agreed to only buy its website and brand in a £55 million rescue deal.

‘Closing down sale’ signs were dotted all around the Barrow Debenhams as customers cleared the shelves of heavily reduced items.

This is what our readers had to say:

Vanessa Macdonald said: “Just knock town centre shops down and build houses instead. Better to go out of town as there is more choice elsewhere.”

Kerry Griffin said: “I never go to town now, sadly, unless I have got to go to the bank. Nothing in town sadly.”

Andy Herdman said: “Kendal is booming – it is a shame we didn’t have the council they had over the years.

“Lived here all my life and the town is shocking and the nightlife non existent. Please take me back to the 80s... But one good thing is Lakes on our door step and we have the best roundabouts.”

Simon Walker said: “The only shop worth a visit is Waterstones book shop, unless you’re going for Chinese or a curry.”

Brian McKenna said: “That was the best shop in Barrow, now there's nothing in town centre.”

Curtis Robinson said: “There has never been anything in Barrow as a whole. The town has gone down the drain from the past – it used to be a fun place then online shopping happened and ruined the town.”

Maggie Pease said: “The train station and bus service will be doing well. All us Barrovians with no town centre will be going to Lancaster and Kendal.”