A pet shop in Carlisle is closing down after 45 years of trading with a decline in high street shopping being blamed for the store’s dwindling fortunes.

Nu-Pets on Lowther Street had hoped to have a refurbishment but this has now been cancelled.

Owner Tony Pieri told the News & Star: "Having reviewed the latest trading accounts and the continued decline in sales, we have sadly concluded, after 45 years of trading that the business is no longer viable and must close."

Mr Pieri, who runs the business with his son Ricky, said: "We have had to standby and watch the slow decline of the high street - obvious by the dozens of empty shops."

He says changes to parking on Lowther Street - from a disc zone to pay and display parking - several years ago also added to his worries.

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