A cobbler shop in Salisbury is to temporarily close to search for new premises.

What Cobblers on Brown Street will shut on Monday March 15.

Owner Simon Acreman, 32, says he was given two weeks notice to vacate the premises after struggling to pay rent as a result of the pandemic.

He said: "I don't know if I can do that to be honest but I'm taking it as an opportunity because we were looking to move anyway, just not quite so soon."

During the first lockdown, the father-of-two decided to close the shop as it wasn't clear whether cobblers could actually stay open.

After seeking clarity on the matter, he continued to trade during the second and third lockdown, though business was tough.

"Because I was closed during the first lockdown people thought I was still closed," he said.

"The past few weeks I was getting to fairly good figures, I stopped panicking and I was starting to feel glad that I held out."

However, due to rent arrears, Simon was told he needed to look for new premises sooner than he would have wanted.

He hopes he will be able to reopen elsewhere in a few months, however, at the moment "it's very much up in the air".

"I've got some viewings later in the week which hopefully will amount to something but we will see," he said.

"I have a really loyal customer base which is really good if and when I do reopen.

"I expect to be seeing most of those people again."

Anyone who wants to support Simon and his business while he relocates can still purchase products via the store's website.

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