A CAMERA shop has closed after almost two decades of trading in Dursley.

Clifton Cameras - which opened in 2007  - officially closed its doors for the final time on Tuesday, June 25.

Meanwhile, the retailer opened a new shop at Staverton Technology Park near Cheltenham on Tuesday, July 2.

Officials say the new premises is larger and has dedicated spaces for photography, videography and telescopes plus a fully refurbished Fujifilm printing stand.

Over the years, the store in Parsonage Street had been subject to multiple raids.

In June 2023, thieves stole almost £100,000 worth of branded cameras and lenses.

Bea Debney, marketing team leader at Clifton Cameras, said: “After 17 years of serving the Dursley community, we have made the exciting leap to expand our offering by moving to Cheltenham. 

“With this next step, we can provide even more to our customers and continue to be the destination store that people in Gloucestershire can travel to for our knowledge and expertise.”

An official launch event for the new store is due to take place on Monday, July 8. 

Bea added: “Some people believed that the rise of the smartphone would lead to the demise of cameras and photo printing, but our experience has been far from the case. 

“More and more people are realising the beauty and benefits of having their memories printed, whether that’s on canvas, paper or on a personalised mug. 

“This is something that we expect to continue as more and more people capture their special moments and memories.”

Clifton Cameras currently employs more than 30 people.