But determined traders have vowed to make sure that does not happen as the Express Help Your High Street campaign moves into its second week.
Fears over declining business were raised this week as shopkeepers put up posters to back the campaign and restore pride in the town centre.

Viv Campbell moved to Ossett two years ago to open speciality sweet shop
Chocoholics, in the Seemore shopping centre.

She said unusual shops like hers makes Ossett a fun place to visit.
But she is unhappy that the recession had already claimed several victims in the town centre. She said: "We moved here two years ago,
and in that time we have seen a shift in trade.

We have made good friends with some of the town centre traders, and
some of them have closed during that time.

"If town centre shops are closing,we may never see the same kind of speciality shops here again." Mrs Campbell is one of dozens of traders
throwing their weight behind the Help Your High Street campaign, including Jane Spedding, who runs Funny Foods on Station Road.

The health food and alternative therapy shop raised a few eyebrows when it was launched back in the 1970s, but has built up a loyal customer base, attracting shoppers from across Yorkshire.

Mrs Spedding said: "I think if Ossett was just a normal little town it would not attract the same kind of customers. But because we have different and unusual shops you find people come here from all over.
"Some of my customers say they can buy the same products cheaper at the supermarket, but they come here because the want to
support local shops and keep Ossett alive."