Newmarket High Street still a draw despite leakage problem

This was not just a shop. It was an M&S shop. Now it is gone.

When in August Marks and Spencer closed its branch in Newmarket's The Guineas shopping centre questions were inevitably raised about the commercial health of a town whose High Street has often been subject to less than flattering comment. Yet speak to people connected to horseracing's home and you hear much positivity, accompanied by an acceptance that there remains scope for betterment.

The M&S store ceased trading on August 11. It was not the only one. The closure was one of 14 made by the iconic retailer, which admitted shutting up shop in Newmarket had been "a difficult decision".