A SANDWICH shop owner says she has been forced to close because independent businesses in Worcester have been "forgotten".

Allison Bristow, owner of Phat Nancy’s, located on New Street, Worcester said some of the reasons for her shops closure are: “Worcester now has so many coffee shops, Pret’s arrival and other big corporations coming in.”

“Worcester main footfall is on the high street and the high street has had all the money.”

“We had to start closing on Saturday’s because it’s all on the high street now.”

Miss Bristow, 46 said: “I think the small independent’s have been forgotten.”

Miss Bristow said another reason for Phat Nancy’s closure was to do with the rent of the premises increasing. We contacted the letting agents but there was no one available to comment on this story.

When asked about her customers, Miss Bristow said: “I want to thank them for all their years of custom, I’m just so sad that there are some extremely die hard customers, we have had a little community and we will be losing that:” said Mrs Bristow.

“But we do appreciate the ones that stuck by us.”

Miss Bristow, from Worcester is not sure what she will do now her shop which she has run for seven-and-a-half years has closed, she has also been living above the shop.

Miss Bristow told the Worcester News: “The council has forgotten us, I am scared for the future of Worcester independent businesses. Once it’s gone it’s gone forever.”

“People will be losing their jobs, as well as myself.”

Worcester City Council declined to comment on this but wished to remind us that they invest in local independent businesses by providing grants for them to start up. They are also a partner in Worcestershire Business Central, the local business support agency that provides free support and guidance to local businesses.

After announcing on Facebook that the sandwich shop was closing, many Phat Nancy’s customers were sad to learn the news.

Richard Everton commented: “So sad.. I for one will miss my bacon sandwich from there.”

Julie Merry said: “This is so sad and such a shame. The loss of a community sandwich shop. You will definitely be missed. Wishing everyone the best of luck for the future.”