A pet shop in East Hampshire has served customers for the final time after the financial pressures it was facing proved too great. Tragically, the owners say the painful day seemed to go unnoticed by locals. Crowder's Pets is a long-running outlet on Chalet Hill in Bordon selling natural treats for pets, dog toys, treatments, and more.

Owners Kaz and Rocky have been a fixture of the retail scene in Bordon having opened an aquatics shop in the town 11 years ago before launching Crowders. But after a more than a decade on the high street, they took the tough decision to close permanently on Saturday, April 4, saying the move was driven by financial pressures and health concerns.

They will continue to operate online, and are also planning to do events and markets in the area.

But the pair are still sad the shop has come to an end, and also felt the shop didn't get the heartfelt send off it deserved.

Rocky told Petersfield Post that one local who has been one of their punters since the aqautics shop days popped in, but no traders had said anything about the store's departure, which they were "a little disappointed about".

He also said he expected more from the council. "We've been a business here in Whitehill & Bordon for over a decade but yet not one councillor has made an effort to say goodbye or express sadness," Rocky told the local outlet.

Whitehill Town Council has been approached for comment.

They said they decided to call time on the venture after being hit with a £800 business rate increase and a broader downturn in trade.

Rocky said while the landlord had been "brilliant" and the rent was okay, the combination of the increased business rates and lower consumer confidence as shoppers tighten their belts had hurt them.

Kaz said while they will be looking to expand their online offering they were "so sad" to be leaving the shop, and thanked all their customers over the years.