A Shotley peninsula shop is cutting back its opening hours due to rising costs and a slow down in sales.

Shotley Premier Store, in Kingsland, will be closing at 7.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays from Monday November 29, instead of 9pm. They will still be opening at 8am and the Sunday hours of 8am-2pm remains.

A combination of higher wholesale prices, supply issues, an increase in the minimum wage and a slump in sales in the evening have forced owner Manish Patel to cut back the hours.

The shop has not been helped by inconsiderate drivers leaving their cars in the short term parking bays outside the shop, making it difficult for potential customers to stop and quickly nip in for their shopping during the evenings.

Mr Patel said: "This has been a hard decision to make because we have always tried out best to serve the community but all these factors are working against us and threatening the future of the shop unless we cut our overheads.

"It has been a perfect storm with higher prices, an increase in the minimum wage and popular goods not being delivered, along with a drop sales in the evening.

"The staff are aware and have been very understanding, hopefully our customers will also understand and use us when we are open."

Despite the cut back in shop opening times, the Post Office counter services will not be affected.

Shotley Premier Stores has been recognised for its contribution to the community, especially during the pandemic when staff made free deliveries, credit was extended and the shop stayed open.

Mr and Mrs Patel, also provided every household in Shotley and Shotley Gate with a free gift of Diwali sweets to mark their 25th anniversary.

In 1995 Chandrakant Patel, who had been a Postmaster in London, decided to move to Suffolk with his wife Kokila, and he became the Postmaster at Shotley Stores. Later he handed over the reins to his son Manish who has now been Postmaster for 14 years.

Shop staff were recognised for their contribution during lockdown by winning a community award, Manish has also picked up the Babergh Stars award for his charitable donations.

The shop was also shortlisted in last year's regional Innovation Awards.

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