A family firm is to close after 65 years in Colchester.

A decline in trade, parking problems and Sunday trading are being blamed by gentlemen's tailors and outfitter W A Jolliffe and Son, in Crouch Street, for its reluctant decision to shut early next year.

William Jolliffe, whose grandfather started the store in 1935, said: "There are a number of reasons for us closing.

"They are the trends in general. Parking is not very good at all. The general decline in smart clothes as people are becoming more casually dressed."

Mr Jolliffe said the move to Sunday trading, which he had never agreed with, and opening out of town shopping centres had an effect.

He said the trade at the shop had been declining over the last few years, and increasing overheads had added further pressures.

No firm closure date has been set but it could be in February. The decision will mean the loss of three staff.

The firm also runs a specialist military shop in Butt Road, carrying out repairs and alterations to Army outfits. But Mr Jolliffe said it was hoped this site would remain open.

He said: "It's a sad time. I think about my grandfather who started the business.

"It's been a general decline in the number of customers coming through the door. If more had come in we would be staying open."

The first Jolliffe's shop was opened by his grandfather William in Mersea Road. It was sited where the St Botolph's roundabout currently is, one of a number of buildings knocked down to make room for the new structure and road.

His father, also named William, took over the shop, which relocated to Crouch Street in 1970.

Mr Jolliffe, who was born above the Mersea Road store, started work there in 1974 while in his early 20s.

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