ANOTHER shop in Royston High Street is closing – and the owner blames Tesco and North Herts District Council. John Downing closed his shop, Royston Photographic, yesterday (Wednesday). He has been in the town for 17 years, but says his profits have stead

ANOTHER shop in Royston High Street is closing - and the owner blames Tesco and North Herts District Council.

John Downing closed his shop, Royston Photographic, yesterday (Wednesday).

He has been in the town for 17 years, but says his profits have steadily dwindled since Tesco opened.

"There's no doubt about it, Tesco has killed Royston town centre," he said.

"My turnover has gone down 90 per cent since it's been open. The council should never have let them in.

"The only way you can survive here now is if you are a charity shop."

The advent of digital photography has also had an impact on Mr Downing's business.

He decided to call it a day after learning that he would have to leave his shop.

"I used to sub-let from Howorths, who went into liquidation," he said. "I didn't hear anything for weeks, but now I've been told I'm an illegal tenant. I've been here for 17 years.

"It's sad that it has to end like this, I don't know what I am going to next," he said.