Shop thanks 'wonderful' customers after 170 years

A clothes shop has thanked customers for their support as it closes a branch after 170 years of trading in Lincolnshire.

Coneys of Boston first opened a shop in the town in 1856.

Staff said the store, on Wide Bargate, was closing down because of "market conditions".

In a post on social media, they gave "a heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful customers for your support over the many years we've been trading in Boston".

A statement said the exact date of the closure would depend on remaining stock levels in the shop.

The leader of Boston Borough council, Dale Broughton, said he was "sorry to see a valued Boston business close, especially one in the heart of our town centre that has so much history within the borough".

"Sadly, we know that this reflects the difficult retail environment being felt across the country, with increasing shifts in shopping trends and the impact of cost of living on running costs and spending habits," he added.

Broughton said the council was working to support employees, businesses and "revitalise" the town centre.

The company, which also has branches in Lincoln and Spalding was first located in Strait Bargate in the town.

In 1956 the company moved to a single shop in its current location, and slowly expanded into neighbouring properties until it grew into its current size.

The closure comes in the wake of other retailers shutting in the town, including Oldrids which had traded in the town since 1804, HMV, and Boston's Branch of Santander, which is due to close in April.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices