WELLINGTON’S Locksmith Shop is closing after a year of in business as the owner has decided to focus on a cheaper mobile service.

Nigel Burrows, who owns the business, has chosen to close the shop to prioritise his emergency locksmith service, operating seven days a week out of his van.

After Wednesday, March 19, the locksmith will return to working solely on a mobile basis, as he had done previous to his stint on the Wellington High Street.

Nigel said: “The shop has had its ups and downs.

“It’s taken 80 per cent of the effort for 20 per cent of the wages.

“It’s a shame because it’s been good for business outside of the shop and I like dealing with people face-to-face.”

As part of his return to a mobile service, Nigel will sell his key cutting and engraving equipment to Wellington’s renowned family business, H T Perry & Son & Granddaughter, with staff currently being trained by Mr Burrows so they may offer the same services at the Fore Street shop.

H T Perry & Son & Granddaughter hope to begin offering all locksmith related services from the end of the month.

As for the site of the soon to be closed Locksmith Shop, the popular Essentials Express will be relocating to number 28 High Street in the coming months.

Co-owner Jacquie Isaac says she didn’t the shop to be so successful since opening in May of last year.

She said: “I knew it would go well but I didn’t know it would be like this.

“We’re really looking forward to expanding our operations and move into the quirky space at number 28.”

Essentials Express will remain open as usual from the current High Street premises and hope to be up and running in their new home from the middle of April.