Sark store shuts as island heads towards 'economic oblivion'

One of the owners of Avenue Stores & Newsagents said it will close because of a decline in the local population

Sark is heading towards "economic oblivion" with confidence in the island's future at an "all time low", a business representative has said.

The closure of a newsagent following a decline in the local population prompted the remarks from the President of Sark Chamber of Commerce.

Alan Jackson claimed Sark's government and residents had failed to recognise the "urgency" of the situation.

Avenue Stores & Newsagents is one of three general stores on the island.

Mr Jackson said a slump in tourism was also partly to blame for the decline in the Sark economy.

The Barclay brothers, who are the landlords of the newsagent, closed the final two of their four island hotels in October.

The BBC has approached the Sark government for comment.

Sark Council member and part owner of the store, James Penney, said he was uncertain whether the store would re-open in the summer.

The store will close on 15 November.