Greengrocer set to close its doors

The last independent greengrocer in a Shropshire market town is to close tomorrow with the loss of four jobs.

Bosses at Eden Veg, in Cross Street, Ellesmere, say they are closing the shop "with a heavy heart" and have thanked customers and staff for their support.

Lee McArthur, owner, said his shop, which has been open for almost three years, suffered a drop in trade after Tesco opened at the town wharf earlier this year.

He said today: "It's something that I'm not very happy about. I'm doing this with a heavy heart and there will be four part-time jobs lost. But I want to thank my customers and staff for their support."

The closure comes after a string of shops in Ellesmere said they were battling for their survival in the face of fresh competition from Tesco and tough economic conditions.

A spokesman said Tesco had benefited the town, generated 140 jobs and helped to reduce long-term unemployment in the area.