Closure of butcher’s sparks calls for changes
THERE have been calls for major regeneration of a Derbyshire town after a popular family butcher’s announced it has been forced to close its doors for good.
Willowtree Family Butchers, in Heanor, opened in 2017 and quickly well loved addition to the market place. But its owners say soaring running costs, such as business rates, low footfall, and a lack of accessible parking for customers has meant they were left with no option but to shut up shop. They posted on their Facebook page on Sunday: “This hasn’t been an easy decision, and we haven’t announced anything until now as we have taken a few weeks to digest the change as a family and team.
“As a family we have unfortunately made the decision to close the shop; this is for a number of reasons, the main one being it has become not viable to run a shop in Heanor any more.
“Due to rising costs, low footfall, no accessible parking for customers and ultimately since Covid customer shopping habits have changed dramatically. Everybody is feeling the pinch at the moment, especially us as a business.
“We are extremely grateful for the last five years as we have had such a ball, we cannot thank our loyal customers enough, you have been great! We are sad that this is the end of a great journey.
“We are now spending a lot more time together as a family, with two young children this is very important for us. Once again, thank you and God bless!”
Now their loyal customers are calling for change, arguing that the loss to the high street need not have happened if parking in the market place was free and costs of running a business in the area were lower. Amber Valley Borough Council manages car parks in the area, whilst business rates are set nationally by central government.
Locals say there needs to be a larger emphasis on a regeneration project for Heanor to attract new family businesses to the town and keep existing ones up and running. One person commented: “Hopefully the people above in Heanor and the council start to listen and fund a transformation of the town.
“The market place should be littered with proper family-run businesses and a couple of higher-end shops. The town is now a mere cut-through to others and cities. Hopefully if this gets sorted you can bring your business back for people to enjoy.”
Another disappointed local said: “There should be no parking charges in Heanor market. It’s been a difficult couple of years for us all. “There’s no butchers in Heanor. Why don’t the council help by cutting the costs of all business, not just in Heanor but throughout the country? Heanor is full of hairdressers and barbers, takeaway food shops and nothing else. It’s time something was done for Heanor shoppers.” Others expressed their disappointment at the closure of Willowtree butchers, but also understood the decision and wished the family well. One resident said: “Very sad to read this but totally understand what an extremely difficult decision it was to make. I always enjoy your deliveries and the meat was fantastic – it is going to difficult to find someone as good. “Enjoy time with your family as that’s the most important thing in the world. All the best.”
Amber Valley Borough Council has been contacted for comment.
The market place should be littered with proper family-run businesses.
Local resident