The owners of a Sidmouth shop are thanking customers for the sweet memories over the last 31 years as they open their doors for the last time.

Sweet Temptations, in Market Place, will close as of tomorrow (Friday) as owners Simon and Tim Pollentine said the running costs now outweighed the takings.

It will be the first time in 55 years the family will not have owned a business in the town, after opening their first store in 1963.

Their father had a number of stores in London before the family moved to Sidmouth.

Along with their auntie, the family set up their first shop ‘The Herald Office’ in what is now McColls; they also owned a business in what is now Polka.

Simon said: “We came from London, my dad was one of six children and had a number of shops in London, we had six shops spread over Devon and Cornwall, this is the last of them.

“We have had shops in East Devon in Exmouth and Beer, and they have ranged from the general store at Beer Head caravan site to specialist confectioners, knitwear and greeting cards.

“It’s the same story, the high street seems to be suffering. It’s costing us more to be there and we are taking less.

“We want to thank everyone for their loyal custom over 31 years.”

Simon, who is chairman of the town council’s tourism and economy committee, added his hopes that action will happen as a result of a recent meeting between businesses and MP Sir Hugo Swire.

Simon said: “I’ve seen it first hand. I came to the meeting that they organised here with Hugo Swire and the questionnaire which I have filled in as well,

“I am hoping to see what they can do.”

Sir Hugo has now sent out questionnaires to independent retailers to find out their concerns.

He also spoke at the Government review on business rates in Westminster on June 14.

The MP called on the role of charity shops in high streets to be looked at, as well as a new review that builds on the Mary Portas review from a few years ago.

Sidmouth has seen a number of businesses announce closures over the past few months including Hospiscare, NatWest Bank and Carinas. Pure Indulgence will shut its doors in April 2019.

Govier’s of Sidmouth announced at the end of April that it was to become online only.