DOZENS of shops are shuttered in Reading town centre as several high street stores close.

Various shops have been closed for months, including former Chipstar and Thomas Cook on Broad Street.

Speaking about the town centre, resident Tammy Scott said it is "sad" to see so many stores left empty.

Resident Elaine McCann, 76, agreed: "It is always such a shame to see stores close down. The high street used to be a nice place to visit, with plenty of shops that people wanted to shop in. Now, it just seems to be restaurants or closed shops".

A plan has been submitted that would see the short-lived Chipstar takeaway taken over by another business.

Waba has applied to take over 3 Broad Street, where Chipstar opened in December 2021 but closed in July last year.

New plans for a burger chain hoping to take over Jackson's Corner were put forward after issues with the appearance and noise concerns were raised.

The Fat Hippo burger chain is looking to open a restaurant inside former department store in the town centre, but initial plans were rejected by Reading Borough Council's planning department earlier this year.

Elsewhere, 37 Broad Street, formerly Hays Travel, has been listed on Savills for £75,000 per year.

A store at 24 Queen Victoria Street has also been listed on Savills for £85,000 per year.

When asked what he would like to see in Reading high street, resident Marcus Irwin said "anything independent. There are enough chains".

What would you like to see come to Reading high street?