Two More Shops Close in Ely as Recession Bites

THE woes of Ely’s trading centre continue - with two shops closing down and their owner petitioning for bankruptcy.

Two Ticks Watch Services - owned by Rob Lowe - has ceased trading, and all assets are being offered for sale.

One notice in the window of the High Street Passage premises in Ely says all inquiries should be made to the Official Receivers Office in Cambridge.

A second notice from chartered surveyors Joliffe Daking says: “We are instructed by the Insolvency Service, the official receiver, Cambridge, to sell the assets within this shop. For all inquiries regarding shop fixtures, fittings, stock and repairs, telephone Paul Kotowski FRICS on 07816 453 093.”

Two Ticks Watch Services had four shops, in Ely, Cobble Yard, Cambridge; Green Street, Cambridge; and in High Street, Newmarket.

A spokesman for the Official Receiver confirmed that all four of the shops had closed, and Mr Lowe’s bankruptcy order was made by Cambridge County Court.

Mr Lowe also owned the Little Sweet Shop next door to Two Ticks and that has also been closed and the premises emptied. Last year the sweet shop won the Royal Wedding shop window competition in the city.

Born and brought up in Soham, Mr Lowe had run the Ely store for seven years. He sold watches, jewellery, and gifts, and offered a repair service.

Last week the Ely Standard reported that staff at the city’s branch of Peacocks are facing an uncertain future, after it was announced that the high street fashion chain was to go into administration. Meanwhile, administrator KPMG confirmed that ladies clothing store Bonmarche, which also has a branch in The Cloisters at Ely, was looking for a buyer.