A much-loved community newsagents which has been in operation for nearly half a century is closing.
Barrett Newsagents in Fishponds was opened by John and Beryl Barrett in 1973, before the reins were passed to their daughter Jane and her husband Geoff.
Together the couple have run the Straits Parade business for the past 20 years but have now decided it's time to shut up shop, with their last day of trading planned for November 16.
'This shop is all I've ever known'
Jane said life after the shop is going to be strange, but she's looking forward to a well-earned rest.
"This shop is all I've ever known," said the 58-year-old. "I started working here when I was 14, helping my parents out at weekends, before eventually taking over when they got too old to run it.
"The best thing about working here is definitely the people; I'm a people person and I love the banter we have with our customers, which I'm really going to miss.
"We know that some people who come into the shop might not talk to anyone else that day, so we try to make their visit as enjoyable as possible and have a laugh with them.
"We'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has popped in over the decades and all our regulars, we're going to miss you all so much.
"It's going to be very odd not being at the shop every day but we're looking forward to our first break in what feels like forever."
Jane said she's unsure what she will do next for work but will make sure it's a job which involves interaction with people.
Geoff is going to gain a HGV Licence in a bid to become a qualified lorry driver.
Reason for closure
The reason for closure, added Jane, is due to a dip in takings which began when a one-way system was implemented on Straits Parade, which affected their morning trade.
In addition to that there has been a downturn in the tobacco market and fewer people buying newspapers, which meant the family decided it was not financially viable to continue.
The good news for local residents is that the newsagents is being replaced with something similar.
Convenience store Eleven 11, which has an outlet in Staple Hill, will open its second branch in place of the outgoing Barrett.
"The people behind Eleven 11 are really lovely and I hope they will be supported by the community," added Jane.
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