A village fruit shop which has been trading in South Staffordshire for more than 40 years has suddenly shut down – blaming competition from supermarkets and “radically” increased running costs.

Codsall Fruit Shop has closed for good after most of the stock was sold off.

Owner Debbie Anthony did not want to comment today but has made her feelings clear by pinning a hard-hitting notice in the shop’s window on Station Road.

It reads: “It is with regret that as from Saturday 2nd August Codsall Fruit Shop will cease to trade.

“The closure is due to a mixture of ridiculously ever increasing running costs and supermarket competition. We would like to thank all customers for their support and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“Another feather in the cap of the Government and supermarkets as yet another small local community business bites the dust!!!

Great Britain… I wonder!!!!!”

Residents say the shop has changed hands three times in recent years and was only sold to the current owner around 12 months ago.

The privately-owned unit is surrounded by shops including the Co-op supermarket, the newly-built Post Office, a number of flats and a funeral directors.

Codsall North councillor Patricia Campbell said: “It was a bit of a surprise – the notice on the door was the first I knew of it. She closed without any warning. It was obviously just not working out for her.

“I have lived in the area for more than 40 years and as far as I remember, there has always been a fruit shop there.

“It is a shame it has come to this as she tried very, very hard but, unfortunately, when there is a large supermarket on your doorstep it is not always easy to compete.”

The closure comes just weeks before a new coffee shop is due to open in the village.

Coffee in the Village, on the site of the former Post Office, is due to open in September just two doors down from the fruit shop.