A popular Royston butchers shop will soon be closing its doors after five years trading in the town centre.

Owner Madeleine Jones says Knibbs Meat Safe and Country Foods in Church Lane will shut next Saturday, March 7, when the lease expires.

She said: “We would like to thank our lovely customers over the last five years.

“We are being encouraged to invite other independent butchers to contact us if they are interested in the shop.”

The Knibbs business will continue running from Manor Farm in Bourn, and Madeleine hopes customers will seek them out.

She said: “They will find familiar faces from the Royston shop, with a few new faces and a continuation of excellent, friendly service and super meat products.”

The Royston shop has already attracted interest from Meldreth butcher Russell Davey of Davey’s Butchers, who told the Crow: “If the opportunity arose, and there was an offer of grant funding, it would definitely be something I would look into doing.

“It’s a shame because there used to be a lot of butchers in Royston but now they seem to be moving out. I don’t know why.

“Knibbs is positioned on a nice square but there are too many shops closing up.

“We need more shops opening to bring trade to the town.”

Mike Gallagher, who is a regular customer at Knibbs, said: “It’s a great shame that it’s closing. Countless times we have visited the bakers and other small shops in town after making the trip to Knibbs.

“It is one of those tent pole shops every town needs. Without shops like that what is the point of coming into the town centre?”

To contact the Knibbs team at their new premises call 01954 713978.