The outgoing general manager of a Front Street jewellery store has hit out at allegations surrounding his departure.

Ian Smith, who was boss of Astwood Dickinson and former chairman of the Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Retail Division, leaves the Island today and said he wanted to set the record straight.

He said innuendo that he had left following poor sales this year was untrue.

He added that he was heading back to the UK because of "family reasons''.

And he added that, despite suggestions that Astwood Dickinson staff were leaving the store, he was the only person departing at this time.

"I gave notice three months ago,'' he said. "The business is doing fine, the staff are happy, there is one person leaving -- that is me.'' Mr. Smith said comments about low sales figures being the real reason were way off mark. "Sales weren't what we targeted this year but they were still up on previous years.'' He said the suffering tourism industry was to blame, but added that staff were still delighted with the results.

And he cited the success of being one of the first retailers to win an Investors in People training award during his tenure.

On arrival back in the UK, Mr. Smith will live in Surrey with his wife and two daughters.