A MINI-department store in Manningtree has closed suddenly and an eviction notice has been placed on its door.

Creatively Crafty, in South Street, which saw people rent shop space, closed last week.

The store, which only celebrated its first anniversary at the site in January, sold items including paintings, pottery, jewellery and crafts.

But the 500-year-old building had been repeatedly hit by lorries delivering to Tesco Express after drivers ignored pleas to stop using the narrow road for access.

A notice placed in the window of the property by County Enforcement Group last Tuesday said: “We, as authorised agents of the landlord, have this day reentered the premises demised by the said lease and the said lease is thereby determined absolutely.”

A statement posted on the Creatively Crafty website said: “Apologies to all our customers and crafters, but we have unexpectedly had to move out of our premises, owing to structural damage to the 500-year-old building.

“We will be relocating very soon, and will keep everyone updated.”