A BELOVED Ockendon community grocery shop is shutting its door after sixteen years.

The ‘Amba Food and Wine’ shop on South Parade, South Road, Ockendon closed its doors last week having served the local community for over a decade since it opened in May 2000.

As the shop shut its doors for the last time, over 50 members of the community gathered with Sanjay and the team, to enjoy a special food and drink spread and share their upset for the loss for the community.

Owner of the shop Sanjay Patel, 45, said their reason for closing was the landlord decided to end the tenancy despite it having been in operation for sixteen years.

The team are now looking for new premises in order to run the shop themselves.

Mr Patel said: “I would like to thank the local community for using my store in the last sixteen years. We have provided a good service but also built up a great personal relationship with lots of local people.

“We don’t just sell goods here, we also support local people with their problems because we are passionate about helping people.”

Councillor Chris Baker said: “He has been a part of fabric of the local community for the last 16 years. He has always given the best service to local residents.

“His work in the area has sorted out previous issues of anti social behavior, making it nicer place for everyone locally.

“He will be missed by all local residents. We wish him all the best in the future.”