By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 13:11, Friday, 31 August 2012

Ill health has forced a couple to close down a beloved village tea room.

Kathryn Rawson

Kathryn and Richard Rawson set up the Old Smithy Crafts Gifts and Tearoom in Caldbeck nine years ago.

Unlike many shops in the village, it was open seven days a week throughout the year.

Sadly, the family-run business will be coming to an end next month, when the couple, who live on the Solway coast, are forced to retire.

Mrs Rawson said the building space is rented, but they had been trying to sell the business since September last year.

Unfortunately difficulties over finances meant despite several expressions of interest, the couple were unable to find a buyer.

Mrs Rawson said while the decision had been difficult, the time had come when they had to think of themselves.

“I have another operation coming up shortly and I have already had two brushes with cancer,” she said.

“My husband will be 65 after Christmas and has his own health problems. The doctor has been reading us the riot act for some time, asking when we are going to stop doing so much and look after ourselves.”

She added: “We are very sad about it and will certainly miss it. We just want to thank all our customers for their support over the past nine years.”

All stock in the shop is currently marked at half price in an attempt to clear the items before the Rawsons close for the final time.

The tea room and ice cream sales will continue as usual until the closing date, which has been set to take place on Sunday September 16.

All shop fittings and equipment are also on sale, to be collected at a later date.

First published at 11:26, Friday, 31 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk