A STATIONERY shop which has been a town centre fixture for nearly 50 years has been saved from closure.

Owner Steve Miller announced last summer he was closing his St Botolph’s Street shop, Miller Stationery, because fumes from the heavy traffic were damaging his health.

His two staff, manager Sharon Marshall and assistant Louise Gibbons, and who, between them have, 56 years of service with the company, were facing redundancy.

However, Mr Miller has now confirmed Mrs Marshall is taking over the shop and plans to re-open it in February as the Craft Spot.

He said: “It will be under new ownership and it will be the end of an era for me.

“The shop will be closed for two weeks for a complete refurbishment and Sharon Marshall will be opening.”

The store will sell craft supplies as well as stationery.

Mr Miller, 69, has long campaigned for traffic improvements in Colchester town centre, and says fumes over the years have affected his heart and lungs.