IT IS disappointing to learn that another popular nightspot in the centre of Witney could close.

The owners of Nortons Cafe Bar say the business has been struggling since the town’s only nightclub, iZi, shut in September last year.

According to manager Tilly Wates, so many people are now heading to Oxford instead of Witney for a night out that it has become a “ghost town”.

If Nortons also closes, it could squeeze the life out of Witney’s night-time economy.

Witney’s taxi drivers and fast food outlets are already feeling the strain and the closure of another bar could be disastrous for them.

Tellingly, the manager of USA Fried Chicken and Pizza, in Corn Street, has said he could also have to consider closure if trade does not improve.

It is a reminder that for all the talk of economic recovery, there is still a long way to go to restore confidence and prosperity after a succession of difficult years.

But there is some reason for optimism, as iZi’s former premises look set to be turned into a restaurant, which could help draw new customers into the town centre in the evening and help the likes of Nortons to survive and thrive.

The Lounge chain says that its restaurant could create up to 30 jobs by the summer.

As we move into 2014, let’s hope that there is further investment in Witney and West Oxfordshire to come, to help make it a truly happy new year.