Copyright bbc
Keith Graham, owner of menswear shop The Famous on the Prom, said: "It is a very tough time. "I've been in business for quite a long time and this is the worst I've ever known it. "People see Cheltenham as a destination place and if all of these nice restaurants and cafes close then its more of a disincentive for people to come along." Tailford said despite the closures the vacancy rate in the town was low and new businesses were due to open soon. He added that if the government allowed the borough council to set the town's own business rates, it would be able to support local businesses further.
