As Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry prepares to discuss the knock-on effect of the recent severe weather on trade in the town, questions about the economic health of the High Street are being asked by civic leaders.

As Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry prepares to discuss the knock-on effect of the recent severe weather on trade in the town, questions about the economic health of the High Street are being asked by civic leaders.

The Mayor, Councillor Vivienne Ash, expressed her concern over shop closures at Honiton town Council's January meeting last week.

She said: "I've noticed that shops have closed."

Councillor Ash expressed sympathy with traders, saying problems caused by the weather came on top of an economic downturn.