A POPULAR wool shop in Cirencester is under threat of closure as recent changes in immigration laws means its American owner could be forced to close down and move on.

Three Sheep Wools, based in the Woolmarket, has been a budding business for nearly three years and owner Deb Richardson has built up a friendly and loyal customer base.

A well-liked and respected entrepreneur, her customers were devastated to hear Deb, who is originally from the United States, might have to shut up shop for good due to recent immigration law changes.

When the 49-year-old first moved to England, it was the UK Border Agency who granted Deb a three year work visa. But in November last year, the Home Office took over and changed the requirements for renewing the visa. To have hers successfully renewed, Deb must have created a full time position for a member of staff that had been in place for two years - which she did not know she needed before.

"I've contacted many people and agencies to see if this is legal," said Deb. "Including the citizens’ advice bureau, the federation of small business’s legal team, a specialist in international human resources, two immigration lawyers, Cirencester’s mayor, and our MP’s office.

"It seems to be impossible to fit retrospectively into this new requirement and I see no choice but to sell the business and move on."

The office of Cotswolds MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown contacted the Home Office but staff could only suggest Deb hire eight people full-time for the next three months, which would be too much for her small shop.

"It seems as if the Home Office isn’t going to take into account those who entered the country and followed the rules of the UK Border Agency," said Deb.

Deb said she would like to thank all the lovely people who have supported her business across the years.

"Because of all of you, Three Sheep Wools has donated hundreds of pounds to the Cotswold Care Hospice, The Air Ambulance, Cancer Research UK and other charities," she said. "Every time there has been an appeal for donations, I've has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in this area.

"In the shop, there is now a lovely community of friends who stop in for a cup of tea and who welcome new knitters and share opinions. It is a lovely and lively atmosphere."

Deb is expecting to close down her shop in the middle of August but hopes to stay in the UK by finding a new job as a French teacher, which she used to do before opening her shop.