Eastern P.E.I. business declining

A small business owner in eastern P.E.I.says the area's economy hasn't recovered since a fish plant in Souris closed last year.

The Ocean Choice lobster processing plant closed in April 2011 leaving 300 people out of work.

After Wednesday's federal budget cuts, more Islanders in the area are out of work.

Ruth VanDuiven owns Serendipity Boutique in Montague and said it's been a tough year.

"It has been a steady decline I've seen probably 25 to 30 per cent drop in sales over the last year, and I suppose it's just only going to get worse," she said.

The shop owner said more people are leaving the eastern part of the Island because they can't find work.

"It's pretty depressing. People are getting the idea that if you don't live in Charlottetown or go there to shop it's no use trying to stay in business out here. There's nothing left."

With more cuts coming to the small town, VanDuiven said shemay have to moveher business to Charlottetown.