CREDITON’S popular milkshake bar is due to close today, Friday, May 12, it has been announced.

Nicole Flanagan, the owner of Vagabonds Milkshake Bar, took to “Facebook” on May 5 and said: "To my darling milkshake lovelies, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I am announcing the closure of the shop. The last year has been beyond tough and with ever increasing prices I can no longer absorb the additional costs myself, these costs that I cannot pass onto you the customer.

"It has taken a lot of soul searching and I would rather walk away now while the memories are good and the loveliest they will ever be. I cannot thank you enough for your support and custom over the last five years, I have had an absolute blast serving you all and without you I would not have won awards and more importantly I wouldn’t have grown as a person.

Nicole said she moved to Devon to study at university, but a few years after dropping out she opened Vagabonds.

"I have put blood, sweat and tears into the business and I would much rather go out on a high. I moved to Devon for university originally and after I dropped out I opened Vagabonds," she said.

"I want to stress to people that I have had so much fun running the shop and that I’ll miss each and every single customer. I am going to try something new for the time being and see what the future holds.

"I can’t blame Brexit entirely for closing the shop, however since Article 50 was triggered, prices have only increased and I can’t compete with that. So as devastated as I am right now I feel like now is the best time for me to walk away."

Many people commented and Debbie Richards said: “Really sorry to hear your news Nicole. Such a shame to see your shop go. Your business has been such a great addition to the town. Dan will miss his chats with you and the milkshakes. Thanks for your support with First Crediton Scout Group too. Wishing you all the best for the future.”

Sarah Rice said: “On no…I’m sorry to hear this sad news. You will definitely be missed. Your milkshakes are the best and always served with a smile no matter how busy the shop was. Wish you all the best for your next venture. I know you are fab whatever you do.”

Nicole added that it was not the business rates which made her decide to close as she received rates relief.

She said: “My stock has gone up in price and it’s all getting smaller. Unfortunately it’s the ever increasing prices of stock and bills that have made me come to this decision.”

She added: “I’m blessed that I’m getting to continue within food/hospitality. Thank you all so much for your messages of support and wishing me luck.

“Genuinely from the bottom of my heart thank you all for your continued support over the last five years and your continued support now.”

Crediton Chamber of Commerce said on “Twitter”: “A sad day for Crediton and independent businesses. When will small businesses be given the breaks they need @gregclarkmp?”

CHANGES

There are changes at other Crediton shops and businesses.

A new picture gallery will soon be opening at the former Crediton Community Bookshop premises and Crediton Garden Centre has been sold and will become a Homeleigh Garden Centre.

A new business is due to open at 103 High Street in the near future and the former Cartoonz sweet shop has been sold.

Alan Quick