A Newtown butcher who has been serving his customers for 44 years will finally hang up his striped apron and retire this weekend.

Peter Jacks will be closing his Market Street shop which has been an institution in town centre for the last 29 years, having previously been based in Welshpool.

Peter said he has mixed emotions when the shop closes on Saturday, August 24.

“I’ve spent 29 years in Newtown and 15 years in Welshpool,” said Peter. “I’m looking forward to it but a bit anxious as well. Forty-four years is a long time to be running your own business. There’s a lot of loyal customers who I am going to miss.

“The customers have been upset that we are closing but the overwhelming response has been people wishing me the best for a happy retirement which has been quite emotional.”

The team at Peter Jacks ButchersThe team at Peter Jacks Butchers (Image: Peter Jacks)

The shop on Market Street has been a butchers for nearly 100 years however when Peter retires this will end.

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He initially got started in the industry when he lived in Welshpool as a teenager.

“I originally started in Welshpool, my next door neighbour was a butcher,” said Peter. “I started going with him on the Saturday and it just escalated from there really.

“I was 23 when I started my own business.”

Peter added that things have been more difficult in recently and added: “The job has got harder over the last few years with the council tax going up and the car park charges that puts people off from coming into town.”

However, Peter said that he is most proud of the team he works with some of whom have been there for decades

“I’ve had very loyal staff as well,” said Peter. “One of them, Gary Human has been working with me for 36 years, while another Janet Evans has been with me for 29 years.

“Two of the lads Colin Jones and Paul Maczak have been with me for 15 years.

“We’re all good friends really as well as work colleagues.”