The owners of a village shop have made the "very sad" decision to close next month - only days after finding out that they are shortlisted for a national award.

Residents in Trefeglwys have been left saddened by the news that Mantle’s Village Shop will close for the final time at the end of February due to the rising costs of living and a “massive hike” in electricity that has made the business “impossible” to run.

Around 100 people gathered to watch the grand opening of the shop in March 2022 after it had been converted from a well-known family-run garage over more than 40 years.

Owners Steve and Sue Mantle shared the news of the shop’s closure on Sunday (January 21) which was followed by an outpouring of gratitude and support from the community.

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County Times: Sue and Steve Mantle have been running the shop since it opened in March 2022.Sue and Steve Mantle have been running the shop since it opened in March 2022. (Image: Emma Sheriff)

“It is with great sadness that we have been forced to evaluate the viability of running the shop,” the couple said.

“Due to the high cost of living and the massive hike in electricity it has made it impossible to continue and as a result will be closing at the end of February.

“We have loved watching the shop grow into a little hub for the community and will miss you all very much especially Pensioners Corner. We will cherish the memories you have made here with us, so we thank you.”

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The Trefeglwys business was recently revealed to be in the running for a Countryside Alliance Award Wales 2024 for Best Village Shop. Dubbed as the ‘Rural Oscars’, the award celebrates rural businesses that go the extra mile, supporting their local economy and the unsung heroes in the community.

Steve and Sue added: “We would also like to thank whoever it was that nominated us for the Countryside Alliance Award for Best Village Shop, which we only found out about this week.

“We got through to the finals which will be held in Cardiff next month but sadly we have had to notify them we will be closing and are awaiting to here if we are still eligible to receive votes.

“Thank you all again for your support over the past two years.”