By Bridie Adams
A BAKERY chain has been forced to close its only branch in Herefordshire after it lost business when three nearby banks closed.
Over the last six years, three banks in Ross-on-Wye have closed, bringing less daily traffic to the town centre. The Crusty Loaf bakery, which shut down its Ross-on-Wye branch at the end of June, said that the decline in passing trade played a key role in its closure.
“It started to go downhill when the banks closed, then electricity started going up. We had our loyal customers, but this couldn’t keep the shop going,” said the owner, Robin Revill.
The Crusty Loaf still has two Gloucestershire branches, in the towns of Coleford and Newent.
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“It ended up that my other two bakeries in Coleford and Newent were covering the cost of the Ross shop. They are both doing well, even though they are in smaller towns. It’s strange really, how it all works out,” said Mr Revill.
The bakery has been known for its fresh bread and other baked goods since its first branch was established in the Forest of Dean.
The Ross-on-Wye branch has now closed for good, but customers can still enjoy Crusty Loaf products from the bakeries in Coleford and Newent.
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