A FLORIST is reassuring customers he is still open for business despite closing his general store.

Ralph Martin, 67, has run the convenience store in Layer Road, Colchester, for 35 years alongside his neighbouring flower business.

He closed the general store last week to spend more time with his family.

However, neighbouring Ralph and Rita Martin Florist, which is next door and he also owns, is remaining open.

Mr Martin said: “The convenience store is a very small part of our business, the flower shop took the majority of it over years ago.

“I decided I needed to take a step back from it and wanted to spend some time with my grandchildren. I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I was.

“However, the flower shop is very much open for business.

It has not closed.”

Mr Martin opened the Layer Road shop 35 years ago with wife Rita, who sadly passed away 18 years ago.

At first the convenience store took up most of the space but as the flower business thrived, the two sides swapped, with the flower business taking the majority.

The pair built up the business together, taking many orders from Colchester United when the club was based in the same road.

Around 15 years ago they expanded by opening their second store in Eld Lane, Colchester, which catches passing trade.

However, the majority of work is run from the Layer Road store, with weddings top of their orders.

Mr Martin was one of several traders who raised concerns about supermarket Sainsbury’s moving into neighbouring Drury Road.

However, he said it had not affected business.

Mr Martin said: “We really want to concentrate on the flower side of the business because it takes up so much of my time.

“Layer Road is where all our work is and where people come to see us. We’re very busy.

“We are still 100 per cent open and will continue to be.

We never have any intention of closing it.”