'We can't afford to keep going' - Dudley bookshop blames council and government failings as it announces closure

Cronin''s Books and Bits is to close its shop in Dudley's Churchill Shopping Centre after five years.

Lianne Cronin, who runs the business with her husband Marc, said it was a "really sad decision".

"Due to the ongoing failings that is our government, especially local government, we can no longer afford to run this business as a bricks and mortar store anymore," she said.

Mrs Cronin said the business would continue to trade online, but the shop would be closing within 'the coming months or weeks'.

"We'll be putting the majority of stock into a massive sale and some of the fixtures and fitting will also be available," she said.