A BUSINESS in Stanford-le-Hope is to close in the new year following a series of personal issues and ill health affecting the owner, Michelle Hunt, and her family.

However, she hopes to carry on the business from home and is offering discount deals to customers while the Forever in Wonderland store on Corringham Road remains open.

Michelle says: "As a family we have had a very traumatic time of late. I also have been quite poorly, and having to have lots of tests and hospital appointments.

"Unfortunately I am finding it hard keeping my head above water and dealing with it all, and In the process I have let the shop down. At present I'm not quite sure what treatment I need, and how long that may be. So, I have had to make the decision to close the shop.

"As things stand I'm hoping to move the business at home, and get an online shop. I'm also open to sell the stock if someone would like to take over.

"I'm handling the keys back in of February, and in the meantime I will be opening the shop for a number of days, and offering a 30% discount on stock.

"I will be there tomorrow (Tuesday, 23 December) 10.30- 3pm, Saturday 3rd, Wed 7th & Saturday 10th. I am also open to out of hours appointments until the 10th.

"Thank you so much to everyone who were part of Forever in Wonderland's journey, and to all our amazing customers, I am forever grateful to you all."