Fareham'S oldest independent trader is shutting up shop for good amid fears of a business exodus from one of the town's declining shopping areas.

After 30 years, Fareham Carpet Centre on West Street is cutting its losses following a downturn in customers and its landlord putting the rent up.

Unless something is done to reinvigorate the area, chairman of West Street Traders Roy Seckington says the trickle of businesses leaving will become a flood.

Mr Seckington warned that the multi-million-pound Market Quay shopping centre scheduled to open next year will mean even fewer shoppers venture along West Street.

Owner of Fareham Carpet Centre Dave Hayes said: "The rent's going up and the area is becoming less and less attractive to new customers.

"I'm sure that more businesses will follow my lead. I know of others who are trying to get out. The road's becoming full of charity shops and when they build the new shopping centre it's going to be even worse."