THE owner of Deacons Jewellers says that Covid-19 and the changing face of business was behind the firm's decision to close its Wootton Bassett shop.

The shop in High Street opened in 1974 but will shut for the final time in September.

Richard Deacon took over the 172-year-old family business in 1998 after his dad, Michael, died.

He said: “We have some fantastically loyal customers in Royal Wootton Bassett.

"But over the last few years, because of the nature of retail is changing so much, it’s no secret that we have upgraded our flagship in Old Town and frankly we couldn’t put that into Wootton Bassett and so we had to make that decision to close especially with the pandemic going on.”

Deacons will be saying goodbye to its five members of staff when it officially closes at the end of September.

One has worked for the company for 21 years.

Between the five, they have given 43 years of service at the branch.

Richard said: “It is always the most difficult thing to say goodbye to our staff.

“But we hope our loyal customers will stay with us and visit Old Town once the Bassett branch closes.”

George Deacon opened the first store at Wood Street in Swindon after making clocks as an apprentice.

Richard is his great, great, great nephew.

Wootton Bassett was one of the first satellite shops established by Michael Deacon. The branch was at 111 High Street until 2001 when it relocated to number 42.