A BELOVED butchers in Llandrindod Wells is closing down later this month.

Bruce and Pam Williams, who run the J Williams and Son Butchers shop on Temple Street in the centre of the spa town, took to social media on the eve of Valentine’s Day to announce the news that is bound to break the hearts of many locals.

The shop is believed to be one of the longest-standing businesses in Llandrindod – having been open for half a century.

In a post on the popular shop’s Facebook page on Monday, February 13, Mr and Mrs Williams said: “We will be closing our butcher shop on Saturday 25th February, 2023.

“A lot of thought has gone into this decision and Bruce and Pam have decided it is now time for them to hang up their knives.

“We would like to thank all our staff working at the shop, especially Mark who has been with us for 20 years, also Sian who has been helping Mark run the shop for the last 12 months. A very big thank you from us both.

“We would also like to say a big thank you to all our great and loyal customers which we have had over the last 50 years, it has been a pleasure to have served you all over that time.”

The shop had hit the headlines in December when it announced residents could expect delays for Christmas orders amid fears over the effect of bird flu on turkey supplies.

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Amidst a plethora of Powys businesses being forced to shut their doors in recent months, due to extortionate rises in energy bills amidst the turmoil of a cost-of-living crisis, Mr and Mrs Williams have seemingly taken the decision to take a slightly early retirement.

The post garnered a huge swathe of attention, with people flocking to the page to offer a mix of good wishes and sadness at yet another local business shutting down.

June Evans said: “That is very sad to hear. The town will be much poorer for the loss of such a valuable asset."

Gill Bridgwater added: “How sad for Llandrindod – another long-standing business – our high streets will never be the same. All the very best.”

Meena Barham, who has become a customer in recent years, despite being all the way from London, said: “We’re regulars to Wales from London and have come to your butchers every time we visit – I make sure of it."