Street, in Hamilton, has closed down.

The operation was another victim of the recession, said Mrs. Pamela Scope, who is a part-owner in Davenport Ltd., which owned Ambiance.

It was closed quickly and quietly just before the Cup Match holiday. "This is a voluntary liquidation,'' Mrs. Scope said yesterday. "There are no big debts: all bills will be settled. This is an orderly closing down.

"All of our customers have been contacted and told the store is no longer in business.'' The store sold clothes in the high price range and also employed seamstresses.

In the aftermath of the closure, Ambiance's manageress, Mrs. Lucy White, is setting up her own business.

All-Sew Alterations, as it will be known, will open for business on Monday on the second floor of the Walker Arcade, in Reid Street.

The business will make, repair and alter all types of materials apart from upholstery.

Its line of work will feature clothes -- including wedding dresses -- curtains, cushions and other items.

Two of Ambiance's former seamstresses, Mrs. Maria Faria and Mrs. Natilde Rocha, will go to work for Mrs. White.

Mrs. White said: "I'm very excited about the venture. We have highly-trained staff who have proved in the past that they can do an excellent job.'' The new firm is buying "small bits and pieces'' from Ambiance, said Mrs.

White. All-Sew Alterations will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m.