The Teddington Butcher on Waldegrave Road is expected to close at the end of the month due to "not being able to get enough staff," says manager Steve.

Speaking about the inevitable closure, Steve told Teddington Nub News, "Christmas is very, very busy for us and we wouldn't be able to honour anything because we'd be struggling to carry on with all the orders and things.

"So that's why we're closing. We can't get any more staff.

"I'm 64 and I was just thinking, actually, I've had enough. Now that's enough."

Steve explained that he has been looking for staff for five years but hasn't had any luck.

"There's just nobody, no youngsters about coming into the trade or anything," he said.

Steve is now hoping to retire.

He said: "I'm not going to worry about it anymore. I've given up worrying, making myself feel worried. So, I'm not going to do that anymore."

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"We'll probably be finished by the end of this month."

While Steve may be looking forward to retiring, many local residents will be devastated at the news as it's the only butchers in the area.

One local resident shared his sorrow about the news with Teddington Nub, saying: "it's just such a shame because we've lived here for over ten years, and we've used the butchers for over ten years.

"It's just such a massive loss for our local area, really, because you know it's the only butchers in the area."

He explained that college students would have to travel to Ipswich or Birmingham to learn the trade, but it is unlikely that locals will do this.