Closure of bookies and bakers deemed a huge blow for Jedburgh’s High Street

Ladbrokes in Jedburgh is to become the town’s second High Street shop to close in the space of a month.
Ladbrokes in Jedburgh.Ladbrokes in Jedburgh.
Ladbrokes in Jedburgh.

Earlier this month, the Pound Bakehouse closed its doors for good at short notice. Its bakeries in Kelso, Melrose and Earlston, however, are unaffected.

And on Monday, February 24, national betting firm Ladbrokes will close its High Street branch, affecting around six staff and leaving the town with no alternative bookmakers.

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Though Ladbrokes bosses have been unavailable for comment, the bookie’s closure, alongside that of the bakery just across the road, have been described as a big blow for Jedburgh’s High Street.

Jedburgh's now-closed Pound Bakehouse.Jedburgh's now-closed Pound Bakehouse.
Jedburgh's now-closed Pound Bakehouse.

“It’s very sad to see shop closures in Jedburgh,” town councillor Scott Hamilton said.

“Whilst shops may appear to be individualistic, they collectively make up the fabric and vibrancy of our town centres.

“The potential job losses are a real blow for our town, and my heart goes out to those affected by this series of business closures.

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“It has been raised with me locally about the social aspect of this, and there will definitely be a void left when Ladbrokes closes its door.”

Fans of a flutter on the sports will now need to take their gambling online or face round trips of 19 miles to Kelso, 21 miles to Hawick or 36 miles to Galashiels to visit a Ladbrokes in person.

Fellow councillor Jim Brown added: “I am not a gambling man, but the loss of our bookmaker’s in Jedburgh will be a massive blow to those who enjoy a bet and also their chance to meet with friends who also enjoy the sports of horse-racing, football etc.

“I hope this closure does not result in an increase in the less controlled form of gambling online.”

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The news comes just a month after TSB announced it will shut its branch in Jedburgh’s Canongate, currently open just two days each week, come May.

“I feel that all the major banks have shown a worrying degree of contempt for their high street customers, especially those who are not yet online,” Mr Brown continued.

“They also show a lack of effort to jointly address the possibility of a single customer services desk jointly staffed, even if it were for a couple of days per week.”

Fellow town councillor Sandy Scott added: “The internet is having a devastating impact on our town centres, with the imminent closure of Ladbrokes thanks to online betting and the TSB closure due to internet banking.”

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