Cowling looks set to lose five locally-owned businesses.

Two large employers, Hartley Hemisphere Fabrics and Walter Brigg are relocating to Silsden and Cross Hills respectively, and Cowling is likely to lose three other shops due to retirement and personal commitments.

Walking down the main street, the for sale signs come in quick succession.

At the top of the village Walter Brigg's garage is still operating while its new site at the Crossings Business Park is being developed.

Further down, Hartley Hemisphere mill site stands more or less empty, with the majority of the business relocated to Silsden. Only a small proportion of the business remains in the village.

Chairman of Cowling Parish Council John Alderson said he hoped the buildings would not be sold for housing, but other employers would move in.

Richard Corby, the agent for Hartley Hemisphere, said that the site had been on sale since May.

He added: "We have had some interest from residential developers and owner occupiers but at the moment we are in discussion with a local manufacturing company."

Walter Brigg's move to Cross Hills sparked controversy earlier this year. Councillors were concerned about the loss of the business but were relieved it was not moving far.

Further down Mistri's newsagent is selling both business and premises, Garside's butchers is closing due to retirement and Cowling Fisheries is up for sale.

Chhaganlal Mistri told the Herald that he was selling the business because he wanted to retire.

He said that he was hoping that the shop would stay as a newsagent but the business has been on the market for two years now.

Joan Garside is selling the butcher's shop after the death of her husband earlier this year. The couple had been due to retire.

And Richard Cowling, of Cowling Fisheries, said he was selling his business as his wife was pregnant and could no longer give her full commitment to the shop.

He said: "The sale is nothing to do with the village at all. The village people do use the shop but I just don't have the time to give to it. I think the village will grow and develop in the future."

Coun Alderson said that it was the tale of many rural villages.

He said: "A lot of other small businesses are also struggling. People are just buying bits and bats from local shops and it's not enough to pay their bills.

"The businesses in the village rely on people forgetting something, or passing through. We have lost so much industry in the village, so people aren't coming out for their lunch anymore."

Coun Alderson added that measures such as double yellow lines along the main street would deter passers-by stopping to shop.