THE owner of the last jewellery shop in Largs has announced that the premises is closing after rising costs made it 'unsustainable'.

Jane Barrs, who owns Adore gift shop in Aitken Street, has told the News the reasons behind the 'difficult decision'.

She says is being forced to pull down the shutters this month - but is hoping that her loyal customers will keep supporting her by travelling along the coast to her other venture in Gourock.

Jane said: "I’m so sad to announce that our Largs shop will be closing down.

"Having a small business has been so tough these last few years, and with constantly rising costs, I have been left with no choice.

"Our Gourock branch will remains open and I thank everyone who has shopped with us all for their continued support.

"We have such lovely loyal customers in both shops and I hope they will continue to visit us."

Jane told the News that keeping the shop open was becoming impossible as bills continued to rocket.

She said: "I don't think it is any different to any other small business on the high street, everything from stock to rent and utilities have gone up and up.

"Those few extra pounds are difficult to pass on to the customer and the pain we are experiencing we have tried to shield from the customers. However it has just become impossible to keep a business going and the Largs shop was now making losses.

"There was something on the TV news about how certain high street shops are flourishing, but they are all filled with discount shops such as Primark and B&M, while middle of the road shops like those in Largs are struggling."

Jane says she was sorry to have to let some staff go as a result of the closure.

She added: "We have one full time and one part time member of staff losing their jobs, and I am very sad at that.

"The public have always told me the staff are fantastic, very friendly and helpful, and I can only echo that - they have been marvellous.

"I am hopeful that we still get our loyal customer base from Largs to visit our premises in Cardwell Road in Gourock. I've been moved by the messages of support from customers as word got out.

"We are facing the rise of internet shopping and there are other factors to do with overheads, but it is difficult to pinpoint just what the answer is for businesses moving forward."