Roebridge Farm Shop on Portswood Road is to close in December after 25 years.

Manager Andy Jackson told bitternepark.info no date had yet been confirmed, but that they’d been told it’s to shut in December.

He said the reason was to do with a new lease and increased rent, and that there’s nothing that can be done about it.

“The shop’s been here 25 years, I’ve been here 20 years, so it will be a big adjustment.

“I’m sure it will be a big loss for the local community,” he said.

Roebridge customer Deb Wilkes said: "I was always so happy to live within walking distance of a greengrocer. Having seen so many shut over the years, making it more and more difficult to get healthier food, I've steadfastly refused to buy fruit n veg in supermarkets.This is a real blow to the area."

A commenter on our Facebook page added: "It's a big shame. Portswood could be much more than it is. I like it, but long standing businesses should be supported by their landlords and a bigger selection of shops be attracted to the area. It has the potential to be quirky and artistic given its location."

And also writing on social media, Rachel Baldwin said: "Thats a real shame. Use them for all my nuts and seeds and fruit and veg. Very sorry to see them go "

Portswood councillor Marie Finn (Lab) said: "I am really disappointed to hear that we are losing another highly valued local shop in Portswood. My fear is that this will lead to another take away opening and this increases the need for some planning management going forward to keep Portswood Broadway a varied and vibrant place to shop.”

Portswood’s Roebridge shop is part of a small chain of seven. Other locations include Eastleigh, Romsey, Ringwood, and others around the Bournemouth area.

It’s unknown whether staff can be employed elsewhere.

The business previously traded as Longs before adopting the Roebridge moniker.

Andy Jackson said he wasn’t sure who traded from the premises before that, but he thought it might have been another greengrocer.

As well as fruit and veg the shop is popular for various other items such as nuts, seeds and pasta, including some gluten-free options.

The news comes hard on the heels of the announcement that, as reported, independent store Portswood Hardware, just along the road, is also set for closure after 35 years. Those premises received planning approval on August 27 for transformation into a takeaway, with Pepe’s Peri Peri expected to move there, along the street from their current Portswood Shopping Centre home.

Concern has been expressed on social media about both the number of long-standing businesses closing in Portswood, and the number of takeaways in the area.

Previously as Longs

This article was later updated to add further comments.