A POPULAR couple who have been forced to close their high street shop has shared a stark warning ‘please support local businesses or there will be more casualties'.

Shoppers looking to pop into the Eclipse Clothing store in Stroud High Street on Saturday were greeted with the sad news that the shop had closed.

Owners Sid Copp and Lissy Coles announced the sad news via a notice in the shop window, which also explained that their other two businesses, Twig and E1 Hairdressers had also ceased trading.

"Trade has become increasingly difficult over the past year with the rise of internet shopping and Brexit uncertainty," the notice read.

Sidd explained why he and Lissy had made upsetting decisions, he said: "We are truly are gutted to have to close down our 3 businesses.

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"We have felt part of Stroud for the last 16 years and always loved what we did.

"Retail, as most people are aware, has become increasingly difficult with internet shopping and Brexit uncertainty.

"We have reached the end of the road I’m afraid.

"We are very upset that this has had to happen and would encourage the lovely people of Stroud to please support local businesses or there will be more casualties."

Sid, who has lived and worked in worked in Stroud for nearly 20 years, has always been incredibly proud of Stroud’s thriving independent shops.

Located at 21 High Street, Eclipse was a popular shop offering unique and individual clothing and accessories.

Although first set up in Merrywalks, it made the move to the High Street over a decade ago.

Speaking to the SNJ two years ago Sid has always been a champion of the independent businesses that give the town its unique identity.

“Shops like this are the heart and soul of the town," he said.

"I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the independent business community – they are one, if not the best thing about Stroud and a hugely successful part of the town’s history.”

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