Residents have expressed their sadness as a popular newsagents and Post Office branch in central Cleethorpes has suddenly closed permanently due to rising costs. William's, in St Peter's Avenue, shut with immediate effect on Sunday, with a post to the business'
Facebook page confirming the news, citing multiple setbacks including the cost of living crisis, high rents and high electricity bills. It comes after the Post Office moved into the store in November 2022 after the service vacated its previous premises at Boyes, in High Street. Following the closure of William's, the nearest Post Office services for residents will be at Queen's Parade, Sandringham Road and Fiveways. READ MORE: Grimsby man, 52, who became hooked on alcohol at nine and drugs at 12 celebrates being one year sober Fed-up driver wearing 'Gridlock Grimsby' T-shirt until traffic improves The full post by William's reads: "We are sad to announce that as of today the William’s store will cease trading and will be closed for business. We have personally invested multiple times into the business and each time we have another setback i.e pandemic, cost of living crisis, Thorntons closure, high rent, high electricity bills and an ever increasing wage bill. "All these changes have been experienced by the whole retail sector and everyone knows how it has affected the retail face of small towns across the country and more increasingly in Cleethorpes. Therefore it is with regret that we are having to cease trading and close the store as of today, 7 April 2024. Many thanks to our customers old and new and apologies for any inconvenience." In response to the news, people did not hesitate in expressing their sadness, with one person writing: "Shocked and sorry for everyone involved at William's. I will miss all of them and the Post Office was such a treasure for all of us who have lost the use of banks." Another comment reads: "How sad for the staff as well as customers. Post Office was ever busy and, as far as I am aware, a well used store, so sorry it is closing. What a terrible blow, commiserations to the staff and the pensioners who find the Avenue so easy for them." "So sad that another of our local businesses is having to close. Good luck to all the staff," another person wrote. A Post Office spokesperson said: “Cleethorpes Post Office has unexpectedly closed with immediate effect. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the unplanned closure beyond our control. Alternative branches in the area include Queens Parade, Sandringham Road and Fiveways.”