Crawley Christmas store owner’s ‘heartbreak’ over closure order

The co-owner of a Christmas store in Crawley has spoken of his ‘heartbreak’ after officials ordered him to close.
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Charlie Phillips, co-owner of Christmas Supermarket in The Martletts, said he was visited yesterday by trading standards officers who told him he had to close his doors.

The 23-year-old, who opened the store ready for Christmas just two days earlier, said that regulations state he is allowed to remain open because he is selling ‘natural Christmas trees’.

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He added: “We have been forced to shut which is heartbreaking.

Co-owner Charlie said he was heartbroken to close his storeCo-owner Charlie said he was heartbroken to close his store
Co-owner Charlie said he was heartbroken to close his store

“Considering how long we have waited to open. We have been shut since the second lockdown.

“Considering how much effort we put into opening the shop. Doing the research, seeing what we can and can’t do.”

Charlie said police and Crawley Borough Council visited the store before West Sussex County Council trading standards officers ordered him to close.

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He added the store has put in place Covid secure measures including hand sanitiser, social distancing and customer limits.

Charlie said: “We have done everything we possibly can. To lose your livelihood in a time where people have to get paid and staff need money. It’s sad to see that happen.”

A spokeswoman for West Sussex County Council said: “While we sympathise with all businesses required to close at this difficult time, we all must play our part and that includes complying with the law.

“The majority of restrictions will be lifted on the 2 December 2020.”