A popular Co Antrim café and florist have become the latest business to close due to rising costs.
Chris' Café and Florist in Crumlin had previously announced that they would be closing at the end of July but have decided to bring the date of their closure forward to today as costs continue to rise.
Popular with locals and cyclists passing through the area, Chris' Café and Florist had been at the heart of the community and when the local council had decided not to put a Christmas tree in the area a number of years ago, owner Chris Cunningham stepped up to the plate and erected one outside his shop.
Read more: Last orders for popular Co Down restaurant set to close this weekend
Speaking to Belfast Live, Chris said that rising costs and a lack of support for small businesses have meant that it is no longer financially viable to run the shop and café.
"It got to the stage where we have sold off any possessions we had to try and keep the business going, thinking that things would iron themselves out but the costs keep rising," he said.
"The price of ingredients is still going up and I couldn't pass that on to people because the are out enough at the moment."
Chris criticised the lack of support for businesses and said that more needs to be done to help keep them afloat.
"Governments are content with pumping billions into wars and that but it is the working class people who are suffering," he continued.
"The rich are getting richer but it is the people on the ground who are struggling.
"We could walk about blaming everyone but the only thing we can do is close the business and move on."
Chris thanked his loyal customers for their support over the years and said that a lot of them have become like family.
"We would get a lot of people coming in here six days a week," he added.
"They have become family and that makes it even harder having to close.
"Christmas was also a big thing in here and we got everybody involved but last Christmas we couldn't even afford the tree."
Chris said that this past few weeks have been difficult but paid tribute to his staff for their dedication.
"I have been dreading closing down and kept putting it off but we have to draw a line somewhere," he finished.
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