THE changing face of our town centre swings both ways.

In todays's Gazette we look at the demolition of a Queen Street eyesore.

But elsewhere, we report on the loss of two incredibly long-standing businesses.

Upchurch jewellers has begun its £3 million sale as bosses look to shift every last part of its stock.

It has been in St Nicholas Passage for more than 60 years, which is quite a feat.

Frank Wright and Son Butchers' closure is something which appears to be much more immediate.

By the time you read this, it will be gone.

The sign will remain but 80 years worth of history is over.

We would wager every single reader has, at one stage or another, been either a long-standing, valued customer or at least nipped in to the butchers to get something for the dinner on the way home.

In all the fanfare of dragging parts of Colchester town centre into the 21st century, we must not forget what has previously made it great - long-standing, independent businesses.

There are many factors which have contributed to the two closures but the jewellers' decision does at least feel like a decision having been made, rather than one which has been forced.

The butcher's closure leaves, we believe, just one independent meat man in the town centre.

It goes without saying, in the days of a huge online surge, these two businesses relied on customers continuing to come through the door.

If you don't use them, you lose them.