THE Chantry Centre has its latest retail casualty – despite the borough council’s best efforts.

Just days after Andover’s Pandora store closed its doors, Bags4U has cleared its premises at the unit next to the Chantry Street exit of the Chantry Centre.

A notice has been placed in the bag shop's window that reads "shop closing down" but no further explanation is provided.

The Advertiser contacted the company's head office, in Derbyshire, and was informed that Bags4U is in the midst of being "taken over by another company".

However a statement from Test Valley Borough Council, which bought out the Chantry Centre in April, noted the company has gone out of business – despite other Bags4U stores in the likes of Southampton and Bristol remaining open.

The council added that the Andover branch of Bags4U had “failed to keep” to the agreed terms for occupation of the unit in question.

A spokesperson for the authority told the Advertiser: “We will always do all we can to work with businesses to try to resolve issues and it is regrettable that in this case the company has gone out of business.

“New terms for occupation of this unit had been agreed by the council but unfortunately the occupier failed to keep to this agreement.

“Our focus will now be on seeking an alternative tenant. The council has recently introduced new easy in, easy out terms for those looking to set up a pop-up shop at the centre.

“Anyone interested in pursuing this can contact Colin Hares, valuer at Test Valley Borough Council, on 01264 368000 or email chares@testvalley.gov.uk.”