RESIDENTS have been left feeling "sad" after it was revealed a successful car boot sale would close after nearly four decades.

Ardleigh Car Boot Sale, which is based on land just off Old Ipswich Road, is shutting on Sunday due to the field being becoming an extension to the nearby reservoir.

The news has deeply saddened many people who regularly enjoy going to the event, which has been taking place over the last 38 years.

The car boot is perhaps most known for being the location at which a woman purchased an Elizabeth Fink statue for £90 before it was then valued on TV programme Fake or Fortune? for £60,000.

Gazette: Goods - People have been buying items at the Ardleigh Car Boot over the last 38 yearsGoods - People have been buying items at the Ardleigh Car Boot over the last 38 years (Image: Lorne Spicer)

Many customers of the well-known car boot sale have now taken to social media to express their upset over the looming closure.

One Colchester resident, Kerri Melissa, said she is in shock about the loss.

She said: “I can’t believe this.

“This was my childhood on a Sunday and now I live nearby, we go every week.”

Sharing a similar sentiment, Sadi-Ann Pinfold said she adored venturing around the car boot sale - something which was a regular annual occurrence for her.

She said: "I love a little walk round it, I do it every year, that’s sad, I hope they find another location.”

Kimberly Ardin also has fond memories of the location - particularly of the affordable prices. 

The Ardleigh Car Boot Sale only charges 50p per person if you are attending after 7am.

When it comes to people looking to sell their goods, prices would vary.

Entry for a car costs £12, small vans and large cars £140, and small trailers £20.

Kimberly added: “I went to Ardleigh car boot loads over the years.

“It’s strange it won’t be there anymore. I hope they find another location.”

Gazette: Art - The Elizabeth Fink statue which was purchased at the Ardleigh Car Boot SaleArt - The Elizabeth Fink statue which was purchased at the Ardleigh Car Boot Sale (Image: BBC)

Donna Jasmine Prendergast would often take her children to the event and feels that the Ardleigh Car Boot Sale is truly one of a kind.

She said: "Oh no, my children love going over to Ardleigh Car Boot Sale.

“I give them a budget and they love to pick out what they want but it also teaches them the value of money.

Gazette: Varity - A drum kit that was on sale during a previous eventVarity - A drum kit that was on sale during a previous event (Image: Lorne Spicer)

“All the other car boot sales we have been to aren't the same.”

The site will be open this on Sunday from 6am for one final time.

It is believed the owners will be looking for a new site to host the Ardleigh Car Boot Sale moving forwards.