A town centre shop that had been around for twenty years has closed its Brunel Shopping Centre home for good. 

As of August 31, the Crystals shop on the second floor of the town centre shopping venue had been packed up, with stock visible in boxes through the windows. 

A note had been placed on the door informing potential customers looking for crystals, minerals, fossils and semi-precious gemstones that they would have to go elsewhere. 

The note said: "Dear Crystals Customers. Sadly we are unable to continue trading in Swindon after a very happy 20-plus years.

"Please visit us in Oxford, Bath, Bristol or Glastonbury."

It added: "We are very sad to leave Swindon and would like to thank our loyal customers and friends for all their support over the many years.

"This very short notice is regrettable but unavoidable.

"Crystals would like to thank the Brunel management and staff for many years of safe and happy trading."

(Image: Newsquest)

Members of the public have lamented the loss of the long-standing town centre fixture. 

One person wrote on the Swindon Community Notice Board: "Yet another shop, gone from the town centre permanently. My wife bought my birthday present from there recently, however, the notice on the door states we will have to travel to Bristol or Bath if we want to buy anything else from them, as both cities are keeping theirs."

Others followed suit, with one person saying: "I worked for the Brunel Centre ( as it was called then) not long after Crystals first opened. Some fantastic staff, who became friends, have worked there and have happy memories for me. Another sad loss."

However, some pointed out that there are still plenty of options to get crystals, gems, stones and other similar products in the town centre with one on Morley Street and one on Havelock Street. 

"Support local Swindon businesses, independently owned ones are Rowans Closet and Crystal Spirit.

"Both have ethically sourced crystals, jewellery, books, incense, essential oils, oracle cards and much much more. You will also find other locally sourced products in these two shops with extremely helpful owners who have a vast amount of knowledge."

The Brunel Shopping Centre has all but emptied one-half of its indoor area, with several businesses moved to the other half, or to street-facing buildings elsewhere in the town centre.