A CHARITY is closing one of its shops after rent prices increased.

St Helena Hospice will be closing its book shop and cafe in St John’s Street, Colchester.

The St Helena Books and Coffee shop opened in December 2013.

It is a well-known meeting spot for those who have lost loved ones, and has provided an opportunity to meet people in a similar situation.

The hospice said the difficult decision to close the shop has been made due to the change in landlord, who has increased the rent for the premises.

The increase in rent means the profit from the shop would significantly fall.

Ian Daniels, head of retail at St Helena Hospice, said: “It was a very difficult decision to make to close our popular shop, however the increase in rent meant the shop staying open wouldn’t be viable.

"We’re hoping to find a new location so we can reopen the shop and our regular visitors won’t be left without their book fix for too long.”

While the shop is closed a selection of stock will be temporarily moved to the Halstead shop until the new premises is found.

The hospice said it sadly cannot guarantee the new premises will still house a coffee shop.

Due to the closure, the hospice is now actively looking for a new book shop location in Colchester to become a home for the specialist shop.

Visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/shops for information on other St Helena shop locations.