Cost of living crisis: St John's pet shop Aquatics and Reptiles to close

Aquatics and Reptiles in Swanpool Walk is closing at the end of the month after 14 years in St John’s.

And owner Clive Longstaff says rising energy bills are to blame.

“We had our electricity bill go up from £883 a month to £2,190 a month in April,” he said.

“There’s also been a 30% drop in sales as people don’t have the money in their pocket to go out and shop.

“The government knew this was happening in February - they knew that prices would be going up in October and again in January - but nothing has been done.

READ MORE: Energy price cap - Worcester families set for struggle

“Some businesses seem to be doing really well but the retail industry has taken a massive hit.”

Clive said the cost of heating aquariums and vivariums is also hitting pet owners hard.

“People are giving up their fish tanks and reptiles because they are costing them too much at home,” he said.

“We’ve had people coming in, asking us to take on snakes, bearded dragons and fish because they can’t afford to look after them anymore.

'You can't scrimp on heating'

“These are tropical animals. Bearded dragons come from Australia and are used to 40C heat - you can’t scrimp on heating.”

Clive, who has been in the pet industry for 37 years, will be offering pond and aquarium maintenence services from his home in Malvern.

Anyone trying to get hold of him after the shop closes on September 30 will be able to call 07419831820 or email aquacarepondservices@gmail.com

Rising energy bills are forcing Worcester pet shop Aquatics & Reptiles to close. Credit: Aquatics & Reptiles (Image: Pet shop closing. Credit: Aquatics & Reptiles)

Another staff member, Lucy Gooderham, will be providing reptile lodgings trading as Worcester Reptile Boarding.

As for the animals in the shop, Clive said: “The reptiles have been slowly selling down but we’re not selling them off cheap - they are animals and need to go to a good home.

“We are still making sure every owner is vetted to ensure they have the right equipment and the right setup.

“If the reptiles are still here at the end of the month then the staff will be taking some home and I’ll be taking some home.”