WELL-KNOWN Isle of Wight butchers, Downer's, has announced it will close this month.

E.E. Downer, on the corner of Lower St James' Street and Crocker Street, Newport, will close on September 21.

The butchers has become an Isle of Wight institution and a long queue of people, snaking down the road as they wait to collect their Christmas turkey, has become a familiar sight over the years.

Master butcher Greg Downer, 70, has run the family business since taking over from his parents in 1975.

He said: “My legs have decided they’ve had enough, and so it is with great reluctance we will be closing for the last time later this month.

“I would like to thank all of the patrons for their custom and friendship during my 44 years at the helm, and almost 60 behind the counter — we have built a wonderful rapport with the local community over the years.”

Steve Dove, 57, who has been Greg’s butchery assistant for the past 15 years, expressed both gratitude and sadness regarding the closure.

He said: “I am going to miss this job, it has been a really happy time in my life — the friendships I have made are something I will always cherish.

“I would also like to thank WA Foods, who have supplied all of our Isle of Wight sourced meat.”

The company, founded in 1935 by Greg’s father, Ted, has posted a closure notice in the window.

Signed by Greg, his wife Yvonne, and Steve, it says: "We would like to thank all of you for your custom and friendship over the last 84 years.

"You have made it a pleasure to come to work each day.

"Thank you for the fond memories, laughter and fun.

"We wish you all the best for the future."

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