Adult store in Friargate to close blaming roadworks and ‘anti-car’ policy

Softys has decided to close in Friargate Pic: Alan Essex

An adult and sex shop in Preston city centre has decided to close blaming long-running roadworks.

Softys which has traded for two-decades in Friargate is in the process of shutting.

Alan Essex told Blog Preston: “After 20 years on Friargate we’re waving the white flag and surrendering.

“It has been a lot of fun but the pedestrianisation work and the anti-car policy has seen us run out of money and with no sign of it getting any better we’ll be leaving Preston.

“Fortunately we’ve got our main man Simon Softy retiring after 28 years in the job so no one is being made redundant.”

Softys is going to remain open until Saturday 7 October and is having a closing down sale at present.

Earlier this week, Preston City Council indicated the roadworks scheme – ‘Transforming Friargate North and Ringway‘ which is being undertaken by Lancashire County Council was nearing completion.

Softys decision follows Vyne – restaurant and bar – which said it had decided to temporarily close until the pedestrianisation work had completed.