The closure of Marcruss Outdoors has prompted a range of responses from Bristol Live readersMarcruss Stores sold army surplus, camping equipment and workwear(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach PLC)

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and the closure of a beloved local establishment have seen varied reactions from readers, with numerous Bristol Live followers pondering the transformations within the city and the difficulties encountered by both businesses and locals.

A cherished neighbourhood outdoor gear retailer that had been catering to Bristol folk for over half a century has permanently shut its doors. Marcruss Outdoors, situated on Hotwell Road, revealed in March via a Facebook announcement that it would be ceasing operations.

The proprietors stated: “It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you of the difficult decision to close Marcruss Outdoors for the last time this summer. Unfortunately, the harsh economic climate has made it impossible for us to continue.

“It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve each and every one of you. We will deeply miss running this shop, as it has been more than just a business to us – it’s been a place where we’ve been able to offer expert advice, exceptional customer service, and a sense of community.

“We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked here over the years. Their loyalty, commitment, and hard work have been the foundation of our success. We couldn’t have reached the milestones we did without their dedication, and we consider both our customers and staff to be part of the Marcruss family.”

Some readers have been reminiscing about the shop’s storied past with fondness. Bristolrturk recalls: “My dad used to shop in there for us kids, I used to go to school looking like a four star general.”

Freckles adds: “Got my first Parka in there back in the late 60s.” As does Busy Nan, who says: “Lots of people have used that shop. It’s such a shame.”

While KaptainVon comments: “Shame. I bought a lot of kit there and from their smaller North Street shop over the years. Back in the 70s and 80s there were many a secondary school lad who had a backpack from there, usually spray-painted with their favourite band name so the flap was like armour.”

Looking at some of the reasons this has happened, Davewy007 believes: “The clean air zone is a joke. I just spent an hour getting from Feeder Road to Church Road, what about the emissions BCC is causing everywhere else and causing more emissions traffic avoiding the CAZ. BCC need to get its house in order. Green party need to relook at its policies or get out of Bristol.”

Ezergood comments: “Google Maps estimates that journey would take five minutes by bicycle. You have a choice. A CAZ-compliant car with an MOT can be found for as little as £600 on Autotrader.”

Bowerbrain joins in with: “Decades of poor leadership from the local authority have led to this. Bristol is dying and will become the laughing stock of the UK/World having squandered the heritage. Why, have they only just woken up to what the inhabitants have known for decades? The Harbour, New Cut, Cumberland Basin Bridge don’t maintain themselves.

“Must be easier to come up with a plan for bus gates, emissions charges etc, than do something really useful. So many more valued businesses will come to the same conclusion. Bristol will become a wasteland populated by non council tax paying students and the electric scooter brigade! Good Luck!”

Jake123456 disagrees: “The business was profitable until clean air zone reduced traffic levels, should the council not be held accountable?”

Keepmytrapshut joins in with: “Working class self-employed property maintenance worker here. Road closures, long-term roadworks combined with accidents, Ulez, Covid pandemic and parking schemes have ruined my custom too with issues that desk jobbers don’t comprehend or care to. Having to find a different van all eaten into my earnings when others have been given grants for replacement vehicles living next to Ulez. Councils and politics are over meddlesome and over cumbersome.”

Othermeinnit says: “From chatting to them, the biggest impact was the way that the wholesale market had changed, a lot more MoD stuff was being sold to a few big companies with contracts who sold it on to online stores.”

Do you feel that Bristol’s Clean Air Zone is doing unrepairable damage to the city’s business? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.