A BELOVED independent chocolate shop says it hopes to be back for Christmas after confirming it would not open at Easter.

Minerva had hoped to be able to serve up treats to customers in time for the April holiday but said a lack of guidance had scuppered plans.

The family-run business, owned by Alan and Madeleine Edwards, closed its shop in Eld Lane, Colchester, in 2018 after decades in the town due to declining sales and difficult retail conditions.

However, following calls from shoppers who sorely missed them, the team decided to offer a pop-up service in 2019.

Since then the shop has based in Red Lion shopping centre keeping sweet-toothed Colcestrians happy over the Christmas period and at Easter.

Read more:

In a message to customers the shop said: "Apologies that we have been quiet over recent months.

"Like other shops, we have had a lot to contend with and contemplate but can now update you on our future plans.

"Unfortunately, the lack of guidance about the re-opening of shops, allied to difficulties of production, transport and import - and now, time - , make it impossible for us to reopen for Easter and the other holidays. We are very sorry about this.

"We hope to return to Colchester's Red Lion for Christmas, opening in October."

Lockdown measures will start to be lifted from March 8 with an April 12 reopening date for shops.

However, customers will be required to visit alone or with household groups.