THE only shop in a small UK village is set to shut its doors for the last time today as its "devastated" owners bid farewell. The pair were forced to close down their passion project due to an unfortunate legal issue. Phillip and Lucy Payne have run their store and Post Office in Mersham, Kent, for more than eight years.
The outlet has become a "big part of the community" in the little village. But they are unable to continue after not being allowed to renew their lease on the property. Mr Payne told Kent Online that he and his wife are "incredibly sad" to be upping sticks.
READ MORE MONEY NEWS WHAT A PORKER! I tried supermarkets' pigs in blankets for Xmas & found an unexpected winner SALE AWAY Homebase puts 74 sites up for sale after tumbling into administration - full list He said: "It’s not something we wanted to do, but we haven’t been able to renew the lease. "We have loved our time in the village and have had such a great relationship with our customers. "I watched all these kids come in after school and now some of them are adults.
"It’s been a privilege to be a part of this community." Most read in Money FARM LIFE Farm with Scotland's only lake up for sale LUXURY LIVING Scots tycoon smashes house sale record at neighbourhood loved by celebs DOUGH WAY! Popular Glasgow bakery to open new shop in prime location HELPING CASH Exact date all Winter Heating Payment should be paid by Their sadness was shared by local residents, with one calling it a "sad day for the vil.