A beloved West Cumbrian family-run butchers is closing its doors after 118 years of business.
Wilson’s Butchers Limited, on Main Street, Egremont, is closing down on April 27 due to ill-health in the family.
Owners Richard and Barbara Wilson have run the store for 20 years and Barbara said the closure was the saddest decision the pair have ever had to make.
The shop has been in the heart of the town since 1906 and has been described as the pride of Egremont.
Barbara and Richard said: “It is with the deepest regret and the heaviest of hearts that we, as a family, have decided to close the business.
“We had hoped that Richard would return to full health and be able to come to work, unfortunately this has not been the case.
“We are all completely saddened by this decision, but we need to spend as much time as possible with Richard.
“Richard and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our wonderful loyal customers for your custom over the past 20 years that we have worked together.
“Our staff and suppliers have been a wonderful support to us, and we thank them dearly.”
Both Richard and Barbara have received an outpouring of support from the local community since they announced the closure.
The shop has served generations of families in the town and since the news of its closure, hundreds of people have shared their memories of the shop online – as well as crediting Richard and Barbara’s dedication to serving the community.