End of the road for pet shop

A PET shop in Lochmaben which houses the town’s post office has announced its intention to close for good later this year. For more than a decade, Pettigrew’s of Lochmaben has provided locals with pet food, garden tools and fishing supplies. But this week owner Dug Pettigrew said he had noticed a “considerable drop in footfall” due to the pandemic pushing more people to shop online. He added: “I have been lucky in as much as I was allowed to stay open, albeit on a part time basis which was my choice. “Unfortunately the trend to shop online will probably, I think, not reverse but grow stronger. “With the above in mind, although not the only reason, I have made a very difficult decision to close the shop.” Dug clarified the closure “would not happen overnight” but said he would cease trading at some point in the coming months after remain- ing stock is cleared. He continued: “I would like to thank all my loyal customers who have supported the shop over the last 15 years.” The decision means that the in-store Post Office kiosk will also close. However, a Post Office spokesman said discussions are already underway to relocate the branch elsewhere in the town.