"St Albans is at risk of becoming a clone of every other city."

That was the message from two independent city centre stores this week - both of which are being forced to close due to the rates bill pushing the businesses over the edge.

Landy Kelly has run Huttons, a gift shop in The Maltings, for five years, but will shut when the rent agreement reaches a break point next month, leaving another empty unit.

While Mrs Kelly says trade has diminished due to factors such as online shopping, she says business rates applied the coup de grâce. She said: "Business rates are killing independent shops in the city centre.

"Our overheads are simply not matching takings and we are being forced out.

"We have been an important part of the dying shopping experience that used to bring people to our town. We used to have so many lovely shops to visit, but now we have coffee shops, pound shops and charity shops.

"Our rates are some of the highest in England and we need more support from our local council and our government.

"Small businesses in the city are struggling to stay alive - it doesn’t make sense. Someone has to do something before St Albans becomes a clone of every other city.

"Closing independent stores is taking away from the beautiful unique character of the city."

The store, which at its peak employed seven staff, started a comments book, which customers have been signing since the news was announced.

Mrs Kelly started an online petition at the weekend to lower business rates - and already has 376 signatures.

One petitioner, Amy Brown, said: "Its a travesty that we're losing one of the most popular independent shops in St Albans. St Albans should be leading the way in promoting independent traders who keep the city centre unique and provide a point of difference to the area.

"We will soon be a carbon copy of every other high street just full of soulless chains."

The City Suit Co, a menswear retail store in Chequer Street, is also being forced out and will close its doors next week.

Owner David Mendoza, 66, said: "It’s a horror story. We have been in St Albans for 20 years and are being forced out because of high overheads.

"Independent traders are being squeezed out one by one, it’s really sad. There comes a point where enough is enough."

Mr Mendoza and his two members of staff are going to retire when the store closes.

He criticised a "complete inflexibility" in the ratings system, set by Government after using a multiplier on the rateable value, and added: "It will only lead to more shops closing as leases come up for renewal or break clauses come in."

To view Mrs Kelly’s petition, click here.