02/01/2026
Dear Friends and Customers,
It is with great regret we have to inform you that Barbara’s Store will be closing in June 2026 (exact date to be decided).
This is due to Mums lease renewal option being over twice the rent and continuing in her name only, If we wanted a lease it would have to be outside the right to tenure of the landlord and tenant act.
We were having talks with someone who wanted to take on the store as a going concern, but the landlord and agent wanted to market it themselves. The landlord wants to redevelop the property into a larger shop and separate living accommodation.
So, we decided after lengthy discussions with the agent that our best option from the landlord was for him to pay and release mum from her lease and for me and Wendy to take on a short lease to close the business and move on to pastures new.
We wanted to keep the shop open until a new owner was found and gave the agent many options for this to happen, but we had no response.
So, after 58 years serving the village and community we are closing. We have made many friends over this time and hope the village gets its shop back soon.
But, for now it’s business as usual.
Best wishes
Barbara, Wendy & Martyn
