SHOPPERS have been left devastated over a flagship cheese store set to close next week after 35 years in business.
The cheese retailer announced it will be rolling down the shutters of its original store in Leominster, Herefordshire.
Hundreds of cheese lovers from the area flocked to the store to nab their savoury favourites.
But they will now have to take their basket elsewhere as the store is set to close in a matter of days.
Owners Claire and Matt Knowles took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news.
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The statement read: "It is with great sadness that we are announcing the closure of Mousetrap Cheese in Leominster - our last day open will be Friday April 5.
"Leominster was the first of the Mousetrap Cheese shops opened over 35 years ago.
“While it was always the quietest of the three shops, we were able to manage that and make it worth staying open."
They blamed the skyrocketing costs and the dwindling foot traffic.
They added: "Unfortunately, the cost of living and the reduction in footfall in the town (mostly due to council car park greed) has beaten us.
"While Mousetrap Cheese is still a thriving online business and Hereford and Ludlow are well used and safe, our electricity bills quadrupling within a year as well as very many other increases in cost is just too much for us to continue running in Leominster."
The decision has left local customers decision devastated.
Many fear the move will now leave their once-thriving town "ghosted".
A local shopper fumed: "Horrible news. It's terrible what's being done to our small town high streets."
Another blasted: "Our little town is dying a slow death"
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Others praised the little shop and lamented the loss of another cherished local business.
One user said: "Such sad news. You have been amazing and I have loved buying your cheeses for special trips to other parts of the country when visiting friends and for that extra special birthday or Christmas gift."
Another added: "Very sorry to hear this. We were always known for individual shops and good service in Leominster but now it's getting like ghost town.
"It's time the council pulled its socks up and got to grips with all of what's happening to Leominster."
But not everything is lost as owners confirmed the branches in Hereford and Ludlow, Shropshire will remain open.
The owners explained: "We hope you continue to support us in Hereford and Ludlow and of course you can buy our cheese online."
It comes as a family favourite pizza chain is to shut dozens of locations across the country in May.
Papa Johns has confirmed the locations of 43 restaurants it will shut within the next two months.
