A start-up retail hub for new and small east Suffolk businesses has closed after nearly eight years, citing rising costs and 'challenging trading'.

The Inspirations shop operated out of the former Co-Op premises in High Street, Wickham Market, having opened in May 2016, but shut down at the start of this month.

A statement on the shop's Facebook page said: "It’s with a heavy heart that we announce our lovely little shop Inspirations will be closing its doors this April.

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"It’s been a very difficult decision to make, with rising costs and challenging trading in this current climate, leaving us no choice but to close.

"As you know we are a community interest co-operative with several independent retailers.

"Each and everyone of us would like to thank you for your continued support over the last eight years, we just couldn’t have got this far without you all. So thank you, from the bottom of our hearts."

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The store was set up by community interest company Inspirations as a dream to transform the vacant and redundant unit, with support from the village parish council, Wickham Market Partnership, which obtains funding to improve facilities in the village and the East of England Co-Op.

Inspirations, which was formed by Wickham Market Town Team, issued hundreds of shares, which were bought by people at £75 per share to help get the business up and running.

Following its closure, Inspirations posted: "Well it’s a wrap.

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"We have finally closed our doors forever. The past nine years have been a blast and we’re sad to see Inspirations go, but it’s a sign of the changing times.

"We will miss all your friendly faces, chit chat, laughter, fashion shows and community spirit, a big thank you to all our loyal customers who have supported us through this time, we really appreciate it."

Details of businesses operating from Inspirations that are still trading will be posted on the shop's Facebook page.

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