Aquatics store forced to close because of anti-social behaviour
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The owners of an Exeter aquatics store claim they are being forced to close down the centre because local authorities have failed to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area.
Kerstin and Richard Muggeridge, who have run Richard's Aquatics in Market Street for 19 years, announced the closure of the store through their Facebook account this week.
Mum of three Kerstin blames anti-social behaviour outside the shop for their tumbling profits.
And she believes city centre police officers and the city council "could have done more" to help deter troublemakers away from the area.
Kerstin says police failed to act when she reported that an air rifle had been shot at their windows.
Police allegedly told her it was "the price they pay for being in a rough area."
Another incident saw police respond after one of their windows had been violently head-butted, leaving behind blood and hair in the shattered glass.
However, she says the shop has a "massive" customer base and that it was with great sadness the announcement was made.
Kerstin and Richard, who will continue to run their shops in nearby Wellington and Bridgwater, say the Market Street outlet will permanently shut by the end of April.
Kerstin added: "I just hope our Exeter customers are willing to make the trip to Wellington."
Pictured below: The closure of the store was announced on Facebook.
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