THE regeneration works in Cirencester Market Place “had a serious impact” on the turnover of menswear shop Pakeman Catto & Carter, from which it was “unable to recover”, according to the owner.

The gents’ outfitters unexpectedly closed down last Wednesday, leaving many customers in the dark about outstanding paid-for orders.

Work to revamp the town centre was completed in March after more than 12 months, with several traders having claimed to have suffered losses during the extended disruption, including road closures.

Robert Pakeman, whose family have run the business for six generations, said: “The disruption caused by the improvement works had a serious impact on turnover from which we were unable to recover.

“This is an extremely sad day for the family and everyone who has supported us over many years, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our employees, customers and suppliers.”

In July, Robert Whiddett of AJ Whiddett's bakery on Cricklade Street, also blamed the closure of the business after 35 years on the £1.3million regeneration scheme.

Pakeman’s company directors are now being advised by recovery and insolvency specialist Steve Elliott of Monahans in Swindon, with a possible sale of the firm to one of a number of interested parties on the cards.

Steve said: “The family have been propping up the business financially through its recent difficulties, and tried to do everything they could to preserve the historic family legacy and its workforce, the majority of whom have been with the business for many years.

“Unfortunately, that just became untenable and there really was no option for the company other than to cease trading.”

He went on to say: “We are already in talks with several parties about a possible sale of the business, but if those do not come to fruition then the remaining stock will be sold by auction from the company’s warehouse in South Cerney.”

Any customers who had left items for alteration, or have paid for goods which they haven’t received, should contact Steve at Monahans on 01793 818300 to see if those can be located.

A spokesperson for Cirencester Town Council said: “Pakeman, Catto & Carter, synonymous with Cirencester, will be a loss to the culture and heritage of the town.

"In delivering important changes to the Market Place the Town Council was mindful in minimising disruption and maintaining as normal a trading condition as possible and in 2016 agreed not to do any work during the vital Christmas shopping period.

"It is noted that their Edinburgh shop closed a while ago and their on-line, catalogue, business has also gone in to administration, both unconnected with the Market Place works.

"It also sadly appears that loyal customers were not contacted before the company went into administration leaving many without goods they had paid for in good faith.”