Update: Fears for future of new Hatfield shopping centre

FEARS have been raised for the future viability of a new shopping centre.

The WHT has learned Lloyds Pharmacy, in Hatfield Business Park's Comet Square, will close at the end of February - just a year after it opened.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "Unfortunately the store is not commercially viable (enough) to remain open."

And Harminder Singh, who runs nearby aesthetics dentistry, is worried more businesses in the precinct could soon follow suit.

Mr Singh, 36, told the WHT: "Along with a number of retail units we are struggling to attract people to the area.

"It is hard to find and not well signposted."

The businesses that can be found in Comet Square are listed on a sign next to Comet Way, but Mr Singh believes the placard is too small and cannot be read easily by passing motorists.

"We have had to spend quite a lot of money on marketing because nobody knows we are here," he said.

"Unless people know about this area it will remain hidden and I can see more new businesses closing down."

Mr Singh's concerns are shared by Joga Shoker, franchisee for Subway in Park House Court.

"It is very difficult for people to know where Comet Square is," he said.

"There has been no thought about the signage.

"We have regulars that walk to the store, but the car park is never full.

"The council should advertise the whole area because we are losing passing trade."

A spokeswoman for the county council, which is responsible for road signs and other street furniture, said: "We appreciate the concerns of businesses at Parkhouse Court, especially in the current economic climate.

"We are investigating whether there is anything further we can do to enhance the existing local shop signage, although the sizes of signs are dictated by government regulations and we also have to be careful about over-cluttering.