Butcher shuts up shop after 54 years’ trading

OWNER BLAMES SUPERMARKETS FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS

A NETHERFIELD butcher who has been in business for more than half a century is closing up shop because he feels “beaten at last by the mighty supermarkets”.

When Mick Robinson, 74, opened up his butcher’s 54 years ago, he was one of 13 in the area.

But the weekend’s closure of Robinson’s, in Victoria Road, means there is just one left - and even they say they are struggling.

Mick told the Post: “People do not want quality any more. There were 13 butchers on this road and no supermarkets. Now there are five supermarkets within a mile.

“Closing feels bloody awful - I was 20 when I started and I’m 74 now. It’s a lifetime.

“I should have closed 10 years ago but I’m still enjoying it.

“People are sorry we are going and we have never been so busy [since we said we are closing] but unless you use us regularly, you will lose us.

“There will be a hell of a hole in the shopping but I have made my mind up.”

The butcher, who has got up at 5.30am six days a week for almost 60 years, said they used to get through five cows and 30 lambs a week and employ 12 people because they were so busy.

But business dwindled and earlier this year he decided it was time to close.

He says that other business are being affected by this fall in custom, which he blames on people being “brainwashed” into thinking supermarkets are cheaper, when, in reality, they are just more convenient for shopping.

“The bone man that comes says he doesn’t take enough to put diesel in his lorry some days,” he added.

“The delivery lorry which comes down the M1 can carry 12 tonnes but it normally only has two pallets.”

A notice posted on the door thanked loyal customers for their support but added: “We have been beaten at last by the mighty supermarket chains, which unfortunately the majority of our former customers now prefer.

“It is a bitter end for us all; every one of us Master Butchers... find ourselves not wanted in the modern world.”

His son Karl will continue to operate the next-door takeway and hogroast company, Bon Appetit, and even plans to expand.

This closure leaves Robin Tuxford as the “last man standing” on a high street which used to be full of small shops. Mr Tuxford, 73, who opened his store at the age of 19, said: “I am still trying - I should have retired eight years ago but I will go until I die because I love butchering.

“It’s difficult for any little business because shopping habits changed. The supermarket enemy.”

Although Mick is closing, he is keeping the sausage-making machine because he “can’t eat anybody else’s rubbish”.

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