A FISHMONGER who has been in Bridport town centre for 40 years is being forced to shut up shop.

Spiralling overheads, supermarket competition and a fall in customer numbers are behind FG Pitcher & Son’s decision to close.

The South Street store will cease trading on October 30 after being run by two generations of family.

Owner Rick Pitcher, 52, is hanging up his apron and embarking on a new career as a handyman.

He has been selling fish in the shop since he was a schoolboy.

Mr Pitcher said: “Working in the shop has been a huge part of my life and I will miss it very much, along with the friendship and support of all our customers.

“However, we all know things change and we have to move on.”

The shop employs two workers who will lose their jobs as a result of the closure.

Mr Pitcher puts the decision to close down to the decline in customer numbers over the past four to five years and increasing availability of cheaper fish and fish products in local supermarkets.

He said: “Along with spiralling overheads we have found it harder and harder to compete with such large-scale opposition.

“Also, our landlord declining us a lease with a view to developing the property has played a part in our decision.

“We realise it is no longer a viable proposition to continue.”

The shop was set up in West Street in 1970 by Mr Pitcher’s parents Frederick and Kathleen.

They learned their trade working in shops such as Gunnings and Hattum & Halls.

After moving to the South Street shop and retiring in 1970, the couple lived in the cottage behind the shop.

Kathleen passed away in June 2008 and Frederick Pitcher now lives in Sidney Gale House care home in Flood Lane.

Customers are sad to hear that he is moving on, Mr Pitcher said, but are keen to hear about his new venture.

He added: “I’ve always spent a great deal of time in my workshop working with wood, repairing and building many different things, undertaking a varied selection of projects around the house and garden, for myself and family and friends. I have learned many skills including carpentry.”

The new business will be named Rick Pitcher Handyman Services.

It will be a sad day when F G Pitcher & Son is no more, Mr Pitcher said.

He added: “I’d like to thank Jackie Loveless who has worked for us for 22 and Barbara Jacques who has worked for us for nine years.”