A wine shop owner has had to close after 45 years in a market town as his health has deteriorated.

Alexander Carr, 78, had run the Market Place Wine Shop in Halesworth, but now his daughter will close the shop once and for all on Thursday (February 1).

Mr Carr now lives at Wainford House care home in Beccles and his condition has improved says his daughter Jo, who also says she is proud of what her dad has achieved.

"After 45 years it is very sad and heartbreaking the circumstances we have had to close under.

"My dad took great pride in the shop and loved it very much and I know that if he were well enough he would have continued to keep it open," she said.

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"I know business hadn't been anywhere near like it was, but my dad had a wonderful tenure running the shop which needs celebrating.

"He was in there every day, knew everyone in and around the town and it was his passion."

Eastern Daily Press: Alexander Carr pictured in his wine shop in 2007Alexander Carr pictured in his wine shop in 2007 (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Carr's wine shop is at the site where the Halesworth Freemasons meet.

He had become a member of the group in the 1960s and rented the building when he took the shop on in 1979.

Mr Carr, a long-term tenant, still had three years left on the lease of the building but his daughter requested it to be terminated by February 1.

"I did try and sell the lease of the shop which still has three years remaining, but there weren't any takers, we reduced the price heavily and no change.

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"It has made getting the shop cleared out on time very stressful."

The closure of the business comes as a new bar and taproom, called YouDrink, has opened on the Halesworth Thoroughfare.

The former deli has had a complete transformation and revamp under the new owners.

YouDrink is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am until late, with teas and coffees available in the morning.

If you have a business which is opening or closing we would love to cover it, please get in touch by emailing: bruno.brown@newsquest.co.uk