High Fuel Costs Force 91-Year-Old UK Butcher Shop To Close

A butcher's shop in the UK is closing after 91 years in business due to rising energy prices and falling trade, BBC News reported.

Photo Insert: P J Ashpole and Son was opened by his grandfather in 1932, with the 67-year-old taking over the business in 2012 when his father died.

Clive Ashpole in Kempston, Bedford, said he was faced with a 300% increase in his fuel costs this year. P J Ashpole and Son was opened by his grandfather in 1932, with the 67-year-old taking over the business in 2012 when his father died.

He said he could not pass on the energy price increase to the customer, so he "decided to retire." Ashpole also admitted that there had also been a decline in customer visits to the shop.

He said that when his energy contract ended in February, he was quoted a new one with the increased price.

He said he "didn't want to have the worry" of the higher bill, so decided to close the shop before the end of the financial year. "I couldn't afford to pay those overheads," he said. He added that he felt "sorry" for businesses in a similar position to him.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic