A NUMBER of establishments in the previous year have buckled under the weight of a credit crunch that still refuses to go away, and whilst it's likely that more still will suffer the consequences of the grim economic climate, many people remain optimistic that Bude has what it takes to turn the situation around.

The closure of the Carriers Inn and news of the Strand Hotel going into administration has shown just how tough it is to succeed in an environment where people are earning less and having to spend more. The Alldays store on Lansdown Road and Gul, the surf and clothing good retailer on Belle Vue, are amongst the more high profile closures and have led to more empty spaces on the high street.

Whilst it's likely these premises will be occupied again in the near future, there is also concern that any businesses established in place of those departed won't necessarily add to what Bude already has. More cafés, surf and charity shops, it would seem, aren't on the desirables list. Neither are branches of national chains; shopping 'local' is still very much the order of the day.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.