The owners of a card shop in Droitwich at the centre of lockdown controversy shared their reasons for closing their shop after 31 years of business. 

Grace Cards and Books in St Andrew's Square Shopping Centre, Droitwich, has announced it will close for good at the end of the month.

Alasdair Walker-Cox, proprietor of Grace Cards and Books in Droitwich, won an appeal after racking up a £44,000 court bill when he was found to have breached the rules during the second lockdown in November 2020 and on two occasions in February and March last year.

However, despite calling the news a 'huge relief' in February, the owners have now revealed they are set to close for good.

Lydia Walker-Cox, of Grace Cards and Books, said: "We are just really closing because business has been getting worse and worse for the last 10 years.

"The lockdowns have escalated that and people have been pushed to shop online more than ever. 

"It's getting harder and harder for independent retailers to stay open."

Grace Cards and Books staff will be closing its doors on Saturday, April 30 and until then, will be offering 50 per cent off of all of its stock. 

Mrs Walker-Cox added: "Obviously, our regular customers are so sad because there's not many independent retailers left.

"We have been getting a lot of reaction to our closing as we've been here for 31 years.

"Our battle with the local council has nothing to do with the fact that we are closing now.

"It was acquitted so there's no financial loss from that.

"We would like to thank all of our customers for all of the support over the years."

Alasdair Walker-Cox, proprietor of Grace Cards and Books in Droitwich, was found to have breached the rules during the second lockdown in November 2020 and on two occasions in February and March 2021.