A shop which has been an "institution" of life in Woodstock for over 100 years is to close - and the owner says the supermarkets are to blame.
Baskervilles, formerly known as Pitts, ceases trading in fresh fish and vegetables tomorrow (Saturday, November 11). It will be turned into a coffee shop, incorporating the delicatessen next door.
The business, at 33 Oxford Street, dates back 105 years but the current owner, Mick Baskerville, says he has been forced to sell because of a downward spiral in trade. He bought it in August 1997 and says that the last 10 to 11 months have convinced him it is time to shut up shop.
"We have some good, long-term customers and they have told me they are devastated. It is sad," said Mr Baskerville, who is switching to a wholesale business.
"But the supermarkets are mopping up the trade - Sainsburys run a free bus service to their store and Tesco now runs two home deliveries a day into the town."
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