A BUTCHERS which has been a pillar of the Northwich community for 240 years is closing next week.

Hormbrey's Butchers will close its doors on November 1 ‘with a heavy heart’, after first opening in the 1700s.

Sharing the decision on social media, staff said the lack of footfall and the increase in energy bills were to blame, but added they have 'so many happy memories' of their time in the town.

The Hormbrey family first opened a shop in Crown Street in 1782, on the site of the former Guardian office.

They moved from there to a shop in Witton Street, opposite Iceland, before moving to Market Way in the 1960s.

At this time, Weaver Square was a building site and the butchers was in the first set of shops.

In 2012, George Hormbrey told the Guardian it was the only original shop left there.

Posting on social media, Hormbrey's Butchers said: “It’s with a heavy heart to let you know that Hormbrey’s Butchers will be closing its doors in Northwich.

“Sadly, the lack of footfall and the increase in energy bills etc, it makes it an impossible task.

“Never thought the day would come that I would be writing this, but as from November 1, our doors will be closing and believe me this will not be easy.

“So many happy memories along the way, and best of all we had a laugh.

“We class all our customers as friends and it goes without saying, thank you for all your custom throughout the years.

“We will miss you Northwich.”