Chest stores are having to move from their current Front Street location this year to make way for an expansion of Trimingham's.

Landlord BCW, which is owned by Mr. Than Butterfield, Mr. Neville Conyers and the Watlington Estate, has been holding negotiations with all parties for several parties.

It is believed that new sites will be found for Britannia, which sells gifts, ceramics and china, and the Treasure Chest, which sells perfumes and jewellery.

Mr. Conyers would not release full details but confirmed: "Britannia and Treasure Chest are moving out and there's another company moving in but it's not been completely finalised.'' Mr. Than Butterfield's own company, Phoenix Insurance, has also had to move out under the arrangement.

Trimingham's president Mr. Eldon Trimingham said it was premature to discuss the proposed expansion at the site, which is located next to Trimingham's department store.

Masterworks, which is a non-profit art gallery, plans to move from its current site during the summer but has yet to find a new home.

For several years, the organisation has been occupying space leased by H. A. & E. Smith, which has charged it a nominal $1 per year for the privilege.

Mr. Tom Butterfield, one of Masterworks' trustees and founders, said: "We've got two or three options and we're deciding which is the best for us. We're very fortunate to be offered anything at all.''