Lewes' Thomas Cook survives cull

The Lewes branch of the beleaguered travel company Thomas Cook has been spared the chop in a shake up by the troubled company who last month negotiated a £200m rescue deal.

The company still plans to axe around 200 stores, with the loss of some 1,000 jobs but spokesperson for Thomas Cook: "I can confirm that the Lewes branch will not be affected by today's announcement."

However, on Boxing Day the shop was looking in a sorry state.

Thomas Cook will initially close 125 stores, putting at risk 660 jobs, but is planning to close 200 stores in total over the next two years as leases expire.

The Eastgate store will continue to operate but the company remains in dire trouble after it posted a pre-tax loss of £398m for the year to September 30.

The county town's high street is at current looking rather barren as the effect of the economic crisis takes its toll.

Squiglets, the new and nearly new children's clothes and equipment outlet, has closed.

Pen to Paper has closed as has nearby Sera De's Bridal Boutique which has gone into voluntary liquidation. The latter had been suffering "severe cash flow problems which were heightened by difficult trading conditions over the last 12 months".

However, the good news is that there have also been bright signs with the appearance of Spoilt Rotten, White Stuff and Silverado.