The high street where 16 shops were closed at noon on…

The high street where 16 shops were closed at noon on a week day

As Internet sales surge, high streets across the country have been hit badly, with many stores now sitting empty.

And sadly Weston-super-Mare's town centre is no exception. At least nine permanently closed units can be seen in the seaside's town main shopping quarter.

To highlight the issue, our sister paper Somerset Live sent a reporter to walk around the North Somerset town at 12pm on a week day to see how many stores were closed.

They found 16, however this figure includes a few bars and takeaways which have later opening times.

Here is their list of shut shops at 12pm on a weekday in January.

1. Rebel Clothing

Status: Permanently closed.

2. Intersport Tony Pryce

Status: Permanently closed.

3. Fone Zone

Status: Shutters down.

The phone repair shop had its shutters down at midday even though opening hours online show 9am - 6pm.

The contact number listed is not in service.

4. Toni & Guy

Status: Permanently closed.

After 18 years, Tony & Guy permanently shut the doors to their Weston branch in June 2019.

5. Cream cakes

Status: Shutters down.

6. Phone Mechanic

Status: Shutters down.

7. Fresh - juice and sandwich bar

Status: Shutters down.

8. T.J Hughes

Status: Permanently closed.

The old department store has been empty since 2011 when the company went into administration.

9. Fresh ‘n’ Tasty Bites

Status: Permanently closed.

The deli cafe closed its doors in July 2019 after nine years on the High Street.

A notice next to the shop reads: "We have fought tirelessly over the past 18 months to avoid this outcome but have been unable to reach agreement with our landlords."