READERS have speculated why a town centre unit is still on the market nearly three years later.

The store occupied by EE in Portland Walk is being marketed at investors looking to generate a yield from a rented property.

The unit has been on the market since summer 2019.

The property is freehold and the current owner is looking for offers in excess of £400,000 through commercial agents Peill & Co.

Some readers thought the ‘doom and gloom’ of Portland Walk could be off-putting.

Patricia Whyte said: “Portland walk is so depressing now. All empty, WHSmith, Body Shop , sweet shop, Debenhams, Goldsmiths, River Island, etc. It used to be a busy little area now it’s just a shortcut from the market to Dalton Road! Just fills you with gloom and doom now!!”

Steve Fretwell said: “Need to get Primark into the area, then other shops would be queuing up to get into the area. Also if the council didn't charge so much for rates they wouldn't put so many people off.”

Linda Laing said: “Portland walk should be cafes, bars and restaurants with Debenhams being a cinema and/or bowling alley. It would encourage families into town. It won't happen but you can only dream.”

Barrow Anon said: “Why would anyone buy a unit in Portland walk. The town is dead.”

coll cor said: “That’s right, and it will only get worse, with the current council we have etc.”

frank kendall said: “Surely nobody is surprised by this news.”

One reader thought the price of the property was to blame.

Stephen Snell said: “400 grand??? For that I could probably get a decent house in Lake District or better still London even. People like that should take into account the current financial situation. He should have realised by now it isn’t selling at that price.”