THREE bitter blows are being dealt to the future of Chester’s retail trade.

City centre shops Clays and Cochranes have announced the closure of their Mall Chester outlets, complaining of high rents and rates and low footfall. Others fear they may be next.

The disaster-prone Northgate Development lies in ruins, a victim of the worldwide credit crunch, with no meeting to discuss its future until March 28.

And all this before Hoole Bridge closes next month, effectively cutting off the city centre and leaving city businesses fearing the worst.

In a special report in this Friday’s Chronicle, we highlight the challenges facing Chester and look at ways the city centre is planning to fight back.