THE owner of West Buckland Stores has denied she is about to close it, writes Barry Knott.

Julie Bartram is furious about reports that she is closing the store and is set to turn it into a house.

“All I have done so far is apply for planning permission for a change of use,” said Miss Bartram. “I am hoping that a new owner will come along and keep it open. I still have some very good customers.

“I like working here and everyone is so pleasant. But I’m not working for £5 an hour. My first year here was not too bad. I took a gamble with the store and tried to save it. Customers understand why I have applied for planning permission and why I want to sell it.”

She added: “It’s been a real struggle since Brexit. Prices from suppliers have gone up and it is difficult to keep it as a viable business.”

Miss Bartram, who was born in Wellington, has also tried to get West Buckland Parish Council interested in the store but without any luck.

She added: “I cannot say what will happen in the future but my hope is that it will continue as a store. If a buyer can be found for the store it will stay open.”