The leader of a town council has explained why an “unprecedented” number of shops have closed in a town centre.

In recent months, residents of Burgess Hill said their town has been "rotting from the inside out" after several businesses closed their doors for the final time or announced their intention to do so.

In July, the Market Place Costa branch shut down, leading to an influx of anger and upset from residents.

More recently, in September, Halifax, Shoe Zone and Millets advertised their intentions to close down their Burgess Hill branches.

Councillor Peter Williams, leader of Burgess Hill Town Council, has said the closures are due to “a downturn in face-to-face business”.

READ MORE: Council hopes for economic improvement in Burgess Hill

On the loss of Millets, Cllr Williams said: “It is a fact that more and more consumers are turning to online purchases of sports and camping equipment.

“What this has done is to transfer their sales from the high street shop to a warehouse and so they can argue that footfall has fallen to the point where maintaining a shop front presence is no longer viable.”

READ MORE: Life in Sussex town 'rotting from inside' which could get rejuvenated

Meanwhile, on bank closures, he said: “The whole dynamics of personal and business banking has changed dramatically in the past five years, as technology and software improvements have made it possible to carry out most transactions online.

“We no longer need cash to purchase goods and services, nor do we need to write cheques. All fine and simple if you have the means of doing this but what if you don’t? What if you don’t have broadband or a fancy phone or are elderly and don’t understand technology?

READ MORE: Bank, shoe shop and outdoor clothing store closures latest to hit 'dying' town

“That is where the acute problem lies and a solution needs to be found. A banking hub might be the answer?”

However, the council leader added that “it is not all doom and gloom”, as he encouraged a positive outlook on the situation.

He said: “High streets have been changing for generations and new businesses will come into our town.

“Remember Woolworths, International Stores, Sussex Stationers? They are our history now and others will follow.

“We must be positive and do our best to create a better Burgess Hill.”

Mid Sussex District Council recently announced that it has entered into a joint venture to revitalise Burgess Hill town centre with NewRiver. 

Councillor Robert Eggleston, leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said that the town is "gearing up for significant economic growth".