Cost of living: Costs force butchers to close after more than 130 years

Energy bills for the shop rose from £600 a month to £3,000, its owner said

A butcher's shop that has traded in a Nottinghamshire town since 1890 has been forced to close by rising costs.

Tom Blakemore, the owner of G.H. Porter Provisions in Newark, said the business could not continue because it had "simply run out of money".

He apologised to shoppers and staff and said he felt he had "let them down".

Shoppers who used the store, on the corner of Bridge Street and Market Place, said they were saddened by its closure.

In a statement on social media, Mr Blakemore said: "It is with great sadness that I have made the decision to close this wonderful shop.

"The decision to close the shop weighs very heavily on me but I feel I have no other options. We have simply run out of money."

He said trade had fallen sharply in recent years while costs had spiralled.

'Tireless' staff

He added: "At one point, our energy bills rose from £600 per month to £3,000 and while they have slipped back we are still paying 150% more than we did 18 months ago.

"Input costs of raw materials such as pork, beef and cheese have risen as much as 60%, and we have found it hard to pass these increases on to our customers, meaning our margins have been squeezed at a time when other costs are rising too."

He said he had attempted to increase sales online and vary the shop's offer but added: "It is not enough and we have to close.

"I feel like I have let everyone down, particularly our fantastic suppliers, wonderful staff and loyal customers. I am sorry."

He praised Newark Town Council and market bosses for their efforts to boost trade and support independent shops.

Mr Blakemore also thanked his "tireless" staff for their work to keep the business afloat.

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Newark Town Council clerk Matthew Gleadell said: "Tom has given a really accurate picture of the challenges faced by independent shops at the moment and it's a real pity to see a great business like his close.

"The council will continue to do what we can to draw people into the town with events like live music in the square. We hope it helps but finally, people need to spend money when they are here.

"It's 'use it or lose it' for businesses like this."

One shopper told BBC Radio Nottingham: "It's a great shame for the town because it's really well-known and well established.

"I have read the notice in the window and I can understand the cost of the energy to keep it running, and the staff and the rates - and footfall is down in Newark. It's very sad."

Another customer said: "I'm not surprised because supermarkets account for a lot of the meat that is sold and it is pre-packaged at a certain price. Shops like this are more expensive."

Another shopper added: "It's very sad. It's a part of Newark's history and to see it go is a shame."