BUSINESS leaders in a Suffolk town have spoken of their optimism for the future despite the closure of two high street stores in a matter of weeks.

Health food retailer Julian Graves has already stopped trading in Sudbury while the imminent closure of the Stead and Simpson shoe shop on the town’s Market Hill has also been announced.

However, chairman of Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce, Chris Storey, said the closure of both chain stores was due to national trends rather than a downturn in Sudbury’s economy.

He said: “There will always be pressure on stores on the high street and shops have to respond to that pressure.

“Shops come and go – we have seen Woolworths and Marks and Spencer pull out of Sudbury in recent years and other retailers come in and take their place.”

Local businessman Robin Drury agreed Sudbury’s retailers should not be unduly worried.

He added: “Sudbury is excelling compared with many other market towns and there is general desire for people to move, work and visit here compared with places like Colchester and Ipswich.

“But we must not get complacent and we need to see more positive investment in the town’s economy from the local authorities.”

The comments come a week after the first of an expected 200 job vacancies for a new Sainsbury’s superstore due to open in Sudbury later this year became available on the company’s website.

According to the supermarket giant, team leader roles have already been advertised and interviews are taking place this week. A further 40 to 50 positions, including bakers and night-shifts, are expected to become available throughout August, while all other roles – around 170 to 200 jobs – will be advertised in September.

Sainsbury’s also said it is working in partnership with the JobCentrePlus and West Suffolk College to encourage the long-term unemployed into new positions.

Visit http://sainsburys.jobs/ to find out about jobs at the new Sudbury Sainsbury’s store.