Shifnal butcher to close after 20 years in town

A struggling Shifnal butcher will bring the axe down on his business at the end of the week – after 20 years trading in the town.

Peter Smith is to shut Haughtons in Bradford Street, blaming spiralling wholesale prices and competition from supermarkets. Three people will lose their jobs.

The 49-year-old said: "I have been here for 20 years but I've not made any decent money since last Christmas. Customer accounts are down and wholesale prices have gone through the roof.

"I had the choice of compromising on quality and going cheap and cheerful, but I wasn't willing to do that. Supermarkets are selling some meats for cheaper than I can buy it in for.

"I'm sad but it's just one of those things."

Mr Smith, who has lived in Shifnal for more than 25 years, said: "I never thought I would stand here after 20 years and be operating at a loss, I guess it was not to be.

"I would like to thank the people of Shifnal for all the support they have shown me over the years. There are people who have been with me from when I opened."