ANOTHER Whitehaven shop, Little Whims, has announced its departure from the high street due to fewer people choosing to shop in the town centre.

The news that the Market Place shop was due to close was annouced via the business's Facebook page.

Owner Lara Schwab has run the shop for the last six years and owned her own business for the last 10 years. She said in the post: "Whitehaven is such an amazing town with a fantastic community to be part of."

Lara thanked her customers in her post for supporting local businesses - and her dreams.

She wrote that she was going to be looking for a new challenge and focus for now, although the shop will continue trading until mid April.

Lara said: "Closure is a difficult decision to make and not something we want to do, but unfortunately had no choice due to less people choosing to shop in the town centre.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all of our amazing customers who have supported us over the years.

"I have loved running a business in such a beautiful town and community. "

Lara spoke about her next steps, she said: "Unsure what the next steps for me are but I will take with me valuable learned lessons, fond memories and firm friendships."

The shop are currently running a 20 per cent sale on the Little Whims stock. 

The news that the well-loved shop would be departing Whitehaven gutted fans of the store who wrote: "Oh no will miss this lovely shop , wishing you luck in your new venture" and "so sad, a lovely little gift shop."

One customer left a tribute to the shop, they said: "Saddened to read this, I’ll never forget the day i visited your wee shop, my heart was broken buying a present for a loved one in hospital and you helped me put together the perfect little hamper.

"No where else offers this service with such empathy and kindness too."