FOR more than 20 years it has provided a valuable local service to residents.

A family-run local shop, it had customers who began popping in as children to buy sweets who continued to use the community store as adults.

But now its owners have been forced to turn off the lights and close up, claiming they have fallen victim to major chain stores opening up nearby.

Owner Amrit Malhotra has had to sell off the last of his stock at knock-down prices in the cold and dark because he can no longer afford the heating or electricity at Arrow News, in Shirley.

He and wife Sneh, who have ran the business for over two decades, will be forced to retire while his 38-year-old daughter Breeti, who dreamt of one day taking over the business from her father, will have to find a job elsewhere.

Mr Malhotra, a father of four, blames the opening of a Tesco Express and Co-op for enticing away his customers.

The 75-year-old, who moved to England from Kenya 24 years ago, said tearfully: “It so sad after all these years. I have worked so hard and brought up my kids around the shop.

“I have seen people come in as three-year-olds buying sweets and now they still come in all grown up. The closure is a tragedy.”

Residents who are regulars of the shop in Shirley Road are devastated that it is closing.

One Shirley resident Sarah Rees, who used to buy 10p mix-ups, Kinder eggs and comics from the shop as a child, said: “It has been extremely upsetting to have watched this shop become a dusty shell due to impersonal fat cat companies reaping in all the customers and profits.

“With a family owned shop there is an amazing chance to strike up friendships and a friendly rapport face-to-face with the people on whose livelihood your custom depends on.”

Family-run business The family-run business used to be thriving, selling groceries, greeting cards, magazines and newspapers, but trade has died down following the arrival of the supermarket chains.

Amrit said: “It used to be fully stocked and colourful. Residents would pop in for a chat and it was personal, friendly service with a smile.

“Sadly it has got to this situation today. It is cold and dark in here. I have to wear a coat and sell the left over stock. I am heartbroken. I just feel so bad for the customers.”

The shop is yet to be leased by another business and will close its doors when the remaining stock is cleared.