The first greengrocer’s to open in Halstead for five years has closed after less than six months of trading.

S&M Greengrocer’s, run by couple Shahid and Malgorzata Hussain, only opened in The Centre, Halstead, in February.

It took the place of Going Underground, which closed in 2010.

At one stage, there used to be 11 in the town, but numbers have since declined and after the closure of S&M Greengrocer’s, there will be none in the town.

However, since last week the shop was shut and will not be re-opening.

Mr Hussain said: “We were planning to open another business in The Centre.

“However, after careful consideration of all the factors which we have seen during our time in Halstead this is not going to happen at the moment.

“We would like to say our heartfelt thanks to those lovely people who have shown us support and apologise for closing.

“Due to multiple factors we feel we cannot carry on with the greengrocers.”