A home furniture shop has announced "with a heavy heart" that it has been placed into administration and will close its doors after 57 years of trading. The family-run furnishings store, Barretts of Woodbridge, on Thoroughfare in Woodbridge, Suffolk, will cease trading on May 7, having opened in 1969 by couple Ann and Jacket Barrett, with the help of their friend and investor Charles Gill.

Their daughter, Jill Barrett, who took over the running of the business, said that changing shopping habits and rising bills had contributed to the shop's financial difficulties. "Barretts' sales have not kept up with rising costs which have soared in recent years, and this has led to the unfortunate position we are now in," she said. "We have thoroughly enjoyed running Barretts, and we would like to thank the local community and our friends and colleagues who have been a constant support to us. "To all those who helped to make Barretts special, we will always remember you. All have been brilliant and you have our deepest gratitude."

The announcement comes after Rightmove ranked Woodbridge as the happiest place to live in Britain, with locals describing it as "wonderful" and an appealing day out for tourists in 2024.

However, despite those comments, which Ms Barret said had remained the same, "shopping habits have undoubtedly changed".

"Out-of-town retail parks have made shopping easy and attractive, and online shopping continues to dominate the market."

Barretts of Woodbridge, which is described by Companies House as a business selling furniture, lighting and similar, said all outstanding orders would be honoured and delivered despite the business's closure.