Burgess Hill 'rotting from the inside out' as Costa closes

Costa Coffee in Market Place, Burgess Hill, finished trading on Monday for the final time and customers are distraught.

They were informed of the news by a sign put up on the door, which read: "This store will be permanently closing. The last day of trade will be July 8. Thank you to all our customers."

Following the closure, people have blamed the council, which said it has no control over the closure.

People have vented their fury on social media

James Prentice said: "Burgess Hill is rotting itself from the inside out. We need change. We need honesty. We need integrity.

"Where did it all go? Business after business driven out. So disappointing to see."

Commenters have dubbed the centre a “ghost town” and raised their concerns over its continued existence.

Market Place in Burgess Hill, the former site of the Costa Coffee store (Image: Google)

Tina Ann Cox wrote: “Another shop bites the dust. Not much more to lose, Burgess Hill is a lonely boring ghost town, nothing worth going into town for.

“Not even B&M makes it exciting as I find that shop a bit depressing.”

Sue Dunk shared: “I’ve lived in Burgess Hill almost all my life and am seriously considering moving because it’s been slowly destroyed.

“I despair as to why this has happened.”

Ann Duke said: “Support the local cafes- Lucy's, Sunshine etc. Costa was pushed out of Rottingdean too as everyone supported the smaller local traders”

People shared warm words for the “lovely team”, with some saying they would be “missed” by residents.

Staff also wrote that they were “truly gutted” that the store has closed and thanked their “loyal and amazing” customers.

The Costa Coffee store in Burgess Hill has now stopped trading following their shock announcement (Image: AnnaDydo/ WIkimedia Commons)

Some Facebook users suggested a sit in demonstration near the Martlets Shopping Centre using camping chairs.

Others have directed their anger towards Burgess Hill Town Council, who they blame for the closure and say should have intervened. But the council said it has no control over the closure.

Rob Kirkwood said: “This is down to useless incompetent town council, waste of skin, the lot of them.”

Martin Haymon commented: “Surely the town council has a moral obligation to ensure the provision of adequate, safe seating for its residents (taxpayers who pay their salaries).

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“How much longer can they hide behind their "not our responsibility" excuses? Time the council pressurises the owners of the mall into providing these very necessary facilities for the town's older and less able residents.”

Steve Cridland, chief executive officer for Burgess Hill Town Council, said: “It appears that some members of the public are blaming the town council for this closure.

“The town council has no jurisdiction over the shopping centre concerned or the business that is closing.

“There is nothing that we can do. It is a business decision and out of our hands.”

A spokeswoman for Costa Coffee said: “We can confirm that our franchise-owned Costa Coffee store in The Martlets, Burgess Hill, is closing its doors for trade today.

“Team members have been redeployed to nearby stores. Customers can continue to enjoy their favourite Costa coffee at our nearest store in Tesco’s Superstore on Jane Murray Way, or by using the store locator here: https://www.costa.co.uk/locations/store-locator/map.”