A long-established shop is to be halved in size because of a rent rise of almost 50 per cent.

Upset - William Woods in front of his shop hit by an almost 50 per cent rent rise Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

William Woods, who has been trading at the Best Wishes card shop in Elm Road, Leigh, since 1984, currently rents two neighbouring stores.

But he is giving up one shop because prices in fashionable Leigh are getting beyond his reach and has used a sign in his window to tell people exactly what prompted his decision.

Mr Woods claimed banks and wine bars are willing to pay over the odds to get a space in the area and are pushing up prices for other traders.

He said: "The trade's all right, but we sell cards for 59p or £1. I know full well I'm not going to take any more money."

Mr Woods said he is reluctant to put up prices so has had to take the difficult decision to decrease the shop's size, losing two full-time staff in the process.

The shops are subject to a four-yearly rent review and rent on one has risen from £11,750 to £17,500, an increase of 48.9 per cent.

The second was reviewed in 2001 and currently costs Mr Woods £14,000 per year.

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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