CUSTOMERS have expressed their sadness after hearing the news that Eggesford Garden Centre is to close.

Derrick and Alison Dyer have run Eggesford Gardens for the past 12 years and made the announcement to customers in their September newsletter.

Derrick writes: "It is with a heavy heart that I write this ’newsletter’.

"After 12 years we have made the painful decision to close our business at Eggesford Garden Centre.

"I am sure you have seen the news headlines about the challenges facing retailers and we have been affected in much the same way as the bigger chains.

"Changing customer shopping habits, increased competition from on-line retailers, the challenging state of the economy, rising costs for staffing, restaurant ingredients and electricity etc have all impacted on our business in recent years.

"However, the closure of the A377 for nearly nine weeks had a massive and devastating impact on our business and was the tipping point.

"We have reached a stage where we can no longer carry on trading as we will not be able to make up the ground lost during the closure.

"We are currently having a closing down sale and all stock must go.

"This sale will only last for around two weeks so make sure to visit if you are looking for a bargain.

"If anyone is interested in fixtures and fittings from the shop and restaurant then please contact us as everything is available for sale.

"Please note that the restaurant will close on August 31.

"Alison and I would like to sincerely thank all our lovely customers.

"We are very very sad to have to leave Eggesford as it really has been everything to us for the last 12 years.

"Thank you for your custom."

Talking exclusively to the "Courier", Mr Dyer said he appreciated the kind feedback from customers who had heard of the pending closure, many saying how they had much to be thankful for at the Garden Centre and had enjoyable times.

Over the years Derrick and Alison have hosted or organised many events at the the Garden Centre, including Apple, Christmas, Easter and other fairs, Antique and Collectable Fairs, plant and garden advice days and much more.

Derrick has used the columns of the "Courier" and hosted events to offer advice to gardeners over the years.

Derrick Dyer and Alison Stone became the owners of Eggesford Garden Centre on July 11, 2006.

It was a big adventure for both as neither partner had a background in horticulture or retail.

The couple decided on the major career change and saw Eggesford Gardens for sale on an internet site.

“We felt it was right for us as soon as we saw it in February 2006 and things happened fairly quickly after that. We were also lucky that there was a great team of staff already working here, that made a big difference.” said Derrick.

A few years ago the couple faced a run of wet summers and hard winters, record fuel prices and a global recession but loyal customers helped them through those difficult times.

The couple found that good old fashioned customer service was a key to the business but the recent problems, as Derrick explained, had a big impact in recent years.

Many customers have blamed Devon County Council for being "the nail in the coffin" for the Eggesford Gardens closure after it took many weeks to repair the highway between Chulmleigh and Crediton near Eggesford.

A bank had slipped and the A377 was closed for about two months making it difficult for businesses in the area.