One of Hinckley’s best known independent traders has closed for good after more than 50 years selling fruit and veg.
A notice has gone up in the window of Caves, in Castle Street, announcing the closure.
It says: “Thanks to all who supported us. We will miss you.”
The shop has been a fixture in the town centre for decades.
LeicestershireLive has been unable to contact the owners so far but deputy leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council David Bill said he was saddened by its demise.
He said: “It is a real blow to Castle Street. Caves has been part of the street scene for as long as most of us can remember with its produce neatly laid out at the front of the shop.”
He added: “I understand the rents were high and that has not helped.
“I wish there was more the borough council could have done to help but we have no control rents or rates.
“If we owned more property in Castle Street perhaps we could reduce rents in them but we don’t.
“We have done a lot to get people into the town centre, with the classic car shows and the food fairs, and that has worked.
“The events have been really busy but independent traders face a lot of competion from the big supermarkets.”
Customers expressed their sadness, if not their surprise, on social media.
Fiona Burke said: “Very sad day. I have loved going in weekly, always lovely produce. Will be missed, but how can an independent business possibly survive with so many supermarkets.”
Louise Delahay said: “My mum worked here for years.
“She would be selling the flowers on a Saturday all day when town was always busy with people. Such a shame.”
Many of the people saying it was a pity it had closed also admitted they rarely, if ever, actually shopped there themselves.
