A national newsagent chain has left South Oxhey because The Parade has been earmarked for re-development.

McColls in The Parade closed its shop on Friday, July 17 and cited the proposed South Oxhey Initiative as the reason why they had decided to close.

A message was left on an envelope taped to the shutters of the shop saying: “Lotto Etc. Now at Costcutters and Taylors”.

Sources close to McColl’s said: “McColl’s has permanently closed its shop as of last Friday because the retail complex where it was based is subject to redevelopment.”

But homeowners and businesses are not expected to be forced out until 2017.

Although a preferred developer has been chosen by the council, no official planning application has been submitted for the mass regeneration scheme which is valued at £125-150 million.

Labour leader in Three Rivers Councillor Stephen Cox questionned McColls' decision.

He added: “I think they have jumped the gun.

“If it is making money, it makes no sense to close it. It is not as if the bulldozers are on the march now.”