A family-run butchers in Abbots Langley high street is closing after 50 years of serving customers.

The owner of Simon East Butchers, Russell Hansard, said he has decided to shut because he can no longer manage working 80 hours each week on his own.

It is expected to close by September 24 at the latest.

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Mr Hansard, 57, who took over running the shop from his brother-in-law in 2019, said the pandemic and the rising cost of living has also forced his hand.

He said: “Once everything opened again people went back to supermarkets rather than shopping on the high streets.

“And we have lost lots of customers since January 2022 when cost of living started to increase.

Watford Observer: From left to right: Courtney Stanley, Russel Hansard, Mark East, Tracey East and Simon East, the baby is Cole Stanley. Picture: Sue Hansard. From left to right: Courtney Stanley, Russel Hansard, Mark East, Tracey East and Simon East, the baby is Cole Stanley. Picture: Sue Hansard.

“The people of Abbots Langley are a tight nit supportive community, but supermarkets are cheaper.

“The quality isn’t as good, but people need to put food on their plates."

He added that some days he works from 1am to 5pm, "which is a lot of hours and not a lot of reward".

“I physically can’t do it anymore. There is more in life than keeping a business going and people understand that.”

Mr Hansard is aware that the closure will be difficult for people who depend on the high street if they do not have car.

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He said: “It will be sad for the community because it’s been here for a long time.

“Some people come in once a day for two slices of ham or a pork chop. It is convenient for people without a car and those who are slightly older.”

The increase in petrol has also hit him hard - particularly as he travels to Smithfield Market in central London twice a week to buy meat.

In 2019 it cost him £67 to fill up his van, but now the 56-mile round trip sets him back £130. 

“A butchers relies on electricity," Mr Hansard added. "You can’t turn it off, even at night, it is 24/7 and it is so expensive now.”

It is not known what the shop be used for next.

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