A SWEET SHOP has been forced to close due to the cost-of-living crisis.

For Se4sons Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe on Chipping Campden High Street will close before Christmas.

Owner Barney Meredith explained that rising costs and the impending increase of the national living wage.

He said: “It is with great sadness that we will be closing our doors for good on Friday, December 23.

“It is very sad and the decision was a heart wrenching one but unfortunately with the economic downturn the high street is not what it was and people are watching even the smallest of purchases.

“The cost of electricity has gone through the roof and every day goods have shot up in price including sweets.”

He added: “Then the final nail in the coffin for me was the minimum wage increase in April.

“£10.42 per hour sounds great for the employee but for a small business employer it is just too much and for us that's a lot of sweets.”

The decision to increase the national living wage was announced as part of the Autumn Budget.

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, said the 9.7 per cent rise for workers aged 23 and over was the biggest ever cash increase for the statutory rate

Mr Meredith announced the decision to close Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe via Facebook, with a closing down sale now underway.

He added that he may look at reopening in a smaller capacity, using the premises of another local business, if there is enough interest.

“I would personally like to thank all our customers and hope you are able to pop in for a bargain before we close. We shall be selling everything off at reduced prices,” he said.

One Facebook user, Ali Son, commented: "Oh no, so sorry to hear this we love your shop!"

Another, Mark Hands, added: "Noooo! Sorry to hear this. Let us know if there is anything we can do."