A RETRO arcade in Salisbury officially closed at the weekend despite a concentrated effort to keep doors open.

Highest Score Arcade in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre in the city put out a rallying call to gamers back in July after operational issues, rising costs and low footfall saw it temporarily close.

This saw a short-term upturn in fortunes for the independent entertainment space as increased footfall saw it raise £3,000 in just two days.

But it seems this wasn’t enough to keep the lights on, as owner James Petherick announced last week that the arcade could not continue in its current location due to circumstances outside of his control.

It officially closed on Sunday (September 28).

James said it was not an easy decision to make.

“I have poured everything into creating a space full of fun, nostalgia, and community, but unfortunately circumstances beyond my control mean the arcade cannot continue at its current location,” he said.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the arcade over the last year — from loyal regulars to first-time visitors, from families and gamers to the amazing people who encouraged me to give this dream a go. You’ve made it all worthwhile.“

Arcade machines being dismantled and relocated Picture: Highest Score Arcade

Work to dismantle and relocate the arcade machines began on Sunday.

James added: “Is this truly game over… or simply insert coin to continue?

“From the bottom of my heart: thank you Salisbury, thank you to visitors from further afield, thank you gamers, thank you friends.”

Commenting on Facebook, James said the “powers above” did not recognise that the arcade brought footfall to Cross Keys Shopping Centre.

“They didn’t recognise the wider benefit it gave to the cohesion of the city and to other businesses,” he said. “For me, it has never been about one single business.

“Highest Score Arcade has always been about creating a reason for people to come in, an experience that lifts the whole area and benefits all traders.”

Customers reacted sadly to the news.

One said: “I will miss playing great games here and my daughter will too on the NASCAR arcade on outrun.”

Another said: “You have been my five-year-old’s only reason to come into town for the past year so thank you.”

Are you sad to see the business close? Let us know in the comments