Staff from a long-established travel agency in Arbroath have been left “overwhelmed” by the response from customers to its closure after 30 years.
The branch of DP&L Travel in the town’s struggling High Street has closed its shutters for the last time with the four staff moving to Dundee.
A message left for customers said, “The staff of the Arbroath branch of DP&L Travel would like to express their sincere thanks to many, many customers who took time to call in person or to phone with their commiserations on the closure of our office and our transfer to Dundee.
“Special thanks for the cards and gifts received, we have been overwhelmed by the response of our clients.
“We appreciate your good wishes Sandra, Shirley, Tracy, Johann.”
DP&L took over East Coast Enterprises in Westport 30 years ago and moved to the High Street.
The Dundee-based firm closed the Albert Square branch of its travel agency in the city in July last year.
The Dundee closure happened just a month after the firm said hundreds of refunds had to be given out as a result of the volcanic ash cloud that grounded flights across Europe. It was not known whether this contributed to the decision.
It is understood the St Andrews branch of DP&L is not closing.
Formerly known as the Dundee, Perth and London Shipping Company, the firm has provided shipping, transport and handling services for over 170 years.
Its business portfolio has expanded over the years to include industrial supplies, marquee hire and a specialised recruitment service.
Boarded-up or empty shops are now a familiar sight in Arbroath.
Many premises are empty stretching from Market Place to the Abbeygate Centre, with boarded-up windows and “for sale” and “to let” signs commonplace.
Woolworth’s departure at the end of 2008 came as a hammer blow. Since then, the town has continued to be hit hard by the slump.