The owner of a reptile and aquatic shop that was forced to close has spoken of her heartbreak of having to close the store, as she revealed that she is in talks to reopen.

Karen Hunt was forced to close Aqualush and Reptilush, off Great Western Way, after nearly seven years of business.

The store was the only place in Swindon, and most of Wiltshire, to offer specialist services for exotic pets, and Karen has now told the Adver it would be “absolutely amazing” to be able to come back.

"I have found a place, and we’re talking at the moment but I still need a fair bit of money for the deposit," she said.

But, she said the aquatic side of the business was no longer feasible.

Karen explored where things went wrong with the previous store stating that the Covid pandemic brought her to her knees.

"I should really have closed during COVID, but I used all of my dad’s inheritance and struggled on-an-on-and-on.

"But then this December hit and I realised I couldn't pay rent, or pay my staff, so I decided to close, pay the staff and liquidate the business.

"It's such a shame because it was growing and we were making half a million before Covid."

Karen said that the monthly electricity bill was reaching heights of over £5,000 due to the costs of keeping aquarium tanks and terrariums running.

"Most of the animals that were in the store went back to the suppliers. But I am currently holding credit for those animals with them because I am ever so hopeful that I can do something and reopen somewhere.

Aqualush and Reptilush was forced to close despite a bid by an employee to keep it open by setting up a GoFundMe page.

Samantha Beckett, who set up the page, said: “Karen has poured her life and soul into this business, she is an amazing person who I admire and respect more than words can say.

“This is a place I cannot say goodbye to and it needs to be saved – it changed my life for the better."

It led to an emotional goodbye from Karen when she did close for the final time.

She said at the time: "I’ve tried my hardest, lost hundreds of thousands and put everything on the line. Blood, sweat and tears.

"I’ve fought long and hard but my dream is done."