AN era will come to an end this weekend as the Petersfield branch of a national chain closes its doors for the last time.

Stead & Simpson is walking out on Chapel Street tomorrow (Saturday) to end a long association with the town centre.

Orange "closing down" signs first appeared in its windows in January before the store was given a stay of execution by its parent firm.

But they returned last month and now it seems everything must go, with the stock, fixtures and fittings all being sold off.

The impending closure means the retail picture is looking increasingly gloomy on Chapel Street with several stores remaining vacant.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.