
Rising costs and online shopping blamed as Salisbury shop closes
The Dinghams team thanked customers via Facebook, saying: "It has been an unforgettable experience, and we will always be grateful for the support."The firm blamed a lack of support following the novochok incident in 2018, which was followed by the Covid pandemic, along with an increase in online shoppng for playing a part in the store's demise.Nicola Hardingham, who runs Dinghams said: "We tried to keep positive, expand the cafe, we tried new things, we were really fighting, but just nothing seemed to be enough.""Then we got the cost of living crisis and the rise in all our costs, it's just a losing battle," she added.
Nicola said: "I am proud. The team is brilliant. I couldn't fault them, I couldn't fault the customers, it's just the way the world is for independents."She added her own personal message for those who visited her shop, offering "a huge thank you. I am sorry we couldn't carry on any more".Shoppers have paid tribute, sending flowers, writing poems, cards and letters.Dinghams is due to close for good on 28 February.

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an hour ago
- ITV News
Former Reform MP James McMurdock cleared of wrongdoing in Covid business loan investigation
Former Reform MP James McMurdock has been cleared of wrongdoing in a parliamentary investigation into his business dealings during the coronavirus pandemic. The South Basildon and East Thurrock MP quit Reform in July when the Sunday Times reported McMurdock took out Covid-19 loans totalling £70,000 during the pandemic, one of which had no employees. In a post on X on Tuesday, McMurdock wrote "Witch Hunt Over" and shared a statement saying the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority had cleared him of wrongdoing. He said: "This was a malicious attack, without substance, designed to damage my reputation. It has failed." He said he would continue to serve as the MP for the region and thanked people for their support during the investigation. McMurdock was one of five Reform MPs elected in the 2024 election, but resigned from the party when these accusations were made. He is one of the two of the five Reform MPs elected a year ago, when Rupert Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, was suspended earlier this year. When the allegations emerged, McMurdock said he was"removed the party whip from himself" and said he would "continue my parliamentary career as an independent MP where I can focus 100% on the interests of my constituents".

The National
3 hours ago
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