A St Neots store that has been operating in the town for more than 100 years has warned it may be forced to shut up shop.

Over the last 127 years, Barretts department store has been part of a history that has seen four kings, two queens, 24 prime ministers and two world wars, but said this week that “its time on the high street may be coming to an end”.

Directors of the family-owned business say they would be really sorry to go, but blame the general economic conditions and

competition from the digital age making trading conditions difficult. Government control on salaries and no equivalent tax to high street business rates being levied on internet companies have also contributed and forced the issue to reassess the business.

Store spokesman Alan Huckle added: “We would like to think that St Neots would miss us if we went, but recognise that it is the nature of things to change. We’re sure any gaps left by traditional stores, like ours, would soon be filled.

We will keep everyone informed as decisions are made and if we do decide the time is right, you can be sure we will go out with a spectacular, once-in-a-life-time sale.”