It is the end of an era for one of the longest-established traders in Birkenhead Market as the shutters came down for the last time.
Billy's Corner fruit and veg stall has been trading at the town's market for 60 years in total but it finally closed for good on Christmas Eve.
The current proprietor, Keith Ryan, posted an emotional message on the Billy's Corner Facebook page.
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He told the ECHO : "We've now physically dismantled the whole site.
"I'm 57 now and I don't want to retire. I've been in the fruit and veg business for 35 years, getting up at 3.30am for work.
"I took over the stall 17 years ago but now, with Birkenhead Market the way it is, there are no customers because there are no stalls left. This Christmas I had my worst ever takings.
"I'm very sad. The worst part of it for me was the last day on Christmas Eve. It's now really hit me and I'm a bit emotional.
"I'll miss all my regular customers, and they'll miss us. We were an institution, a community."
During the pandemic, Keith had adapted his business to include home deliveries, providing a lifeline to many people across Wirral when supermarket slots were not available.
Among those commenting on the Facebook post, one said: "Aww that's so sad, it was part and parcel of Birkenhead and the market!"
Another said: "Another loss to the Market community! Good luck," while another said: "If people don't use the small shops regularly then they're not going to be there much longer."
Wirral Council took over the running of the site three years ago. The market is due to open at a new location on the former House of Fraser store by 2024.
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council's economy, regeneration & development committee, has previously said: "The authority is committed to ensuring Birkenhead Market will be at the heart of the rebirth of Birkenhead as we move ahead with the town’s biggest regeneration boost in generations."
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