Bank, shoe shop and outdoor store closures are the latest to befall a town centre which residents say is “dying”.
A Halifax branch in Burgess Hill, Church Road, has confirmed it is closing down due to less footfall.
A spokesman for the bank said: “Before we close any branch, we look at how our customers are managing their money and using the branch. Most customers are now using our mobile banking app, online banking or calling us instead.
“This means they are using branches, including our Burgess Hill branch much less.”
The branch will serve customers for the last time on March 4, with its closest sites being Hove, George Street, and Brighton, Western Road.
A planning application has been submitted to replace the shop front of Millets, which is “in the process of closing down”, with signage for Truffles Bakery.
The application reads: “The project is part of a wider shop redevelopment to enable Truffles Bakery to open a much-needed bakery within Haywards Heath (there is no traditional bakery currently open within the town).
“This will enhance the variety of shops currently available within the town and reduce unnecessary journeys to our other local bakeries in Lindfield and Hurstpierpoint.”
A Costa Coffee in the Market Place also closed in July, with shoppers saying the town was "rotting from the inside out".
Yesterday, September 25, Mid Sussex District Council voted to enter into a joint venture with NewRiver, a real estate investment trust which maintains retail assets, to develop the Burgess Hill shopping centre.
READ MORE: New banking hub to open amid closure of branches
However, residents have cast doubt over whether it will revitalise Burgess Hill.
One person said: “While any progress is welcome I will not be holding my breath. This has been talked about for more years than you can shake a stick at but nothing has been achieved.
“In the meantime the shop closures continue at speed and the town centre looks like an area of deprivation.”
Others said the town centre is “dying” and “depressing” to walk through.
Shoe Zone and Millets have been approached for comment.
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