A town centre arcade deciding to close for good next month sparked a debate about how to revitalise the town centre.

January 18 will be game over for High Score Arcades' Brunel Shopping Centre site as the business blamed declining high street footfall and rising costs which have made it commercially unviable to continue.

Customers reminisced about fun visits to the arcade and discussed ways to save the ailing area.

For many, the closure of the arcade is personal.

Hannah Edwards said: "Oh no that was a great place."

Kirstie Thomas said: "The girls love it there, we’ll have to go before it closes down."

Michelle Findlow added: "We loved it there!"

Samantha Sowerby agreed: "My son is going to be gutted. We went there loads of times and loved it."

Childhood memories and family outings were at the heart of many comments.

Preeti Kulkami said: "We had my son's birthday party there. It was wonderful."

Kelly Blackmore said: "So bad but can't say I'm surprised with our crappy town."

Theresa McGailey said: "What a shame, Swindon ain’t going to have nothing soon."

While some residents expressed sadness and nostalgia, others were more critical or pragmatic about the cause of the closure.

Helena Bowie said: "The........

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