ONE of Wiveliscombe’s best-known shops is to close next month.

Alison McKinley, who runs the eclectic Carousel Pig in the town’s High Street, is shutting up shop.

She said: “After 30 years it’s time to call it a day, to put my feet up a little bit and start enjoying life.”

She sells all sorts - jewellery, gifts, clothing, greeting cards, cushions and lots more, and is currently holding a closing down sale which may go on for a while after the official closing date.

The business and an upstairs flat has been on the market for some time without a buyer being found.

Mrs McKinley, who is 66 and previously ran an antiques shop in Milverton, added: “I’ll be leaving with mixed feelings. But I’m looking forward to another phase of my life.

“There’s a sadness that nobody wants to take it on and customers are coming in saying how sad it is that it’s closing.”

“People always describe this as an Aladdin’s Cave as they’ve never seen anywhere quire so full as every conceivable space is filled, even the ceilings!

“Customers come from far away to view the window displays at Xmas and Halloween and we have been finalists in nationwide competitions. It’s something I’m very proud of.

“The premises are available empty for any budding entrepreneurs to start their own business or for an investor to convert.”

Meanwhile, Mrs McKinley will continue to run Carousel Pig online, which will enable her to free up her time rather than being in the shop from 10a.m. to 5p.m. every day.

Details of her present building can be found at Webbers, Wiveliscombe.