A family-owned bakery chain will close its last remaining North Staffordshire shop next weekend after more than 40 years. 

Chatwins in Newcastle town centre will close its doors for the final time on Saturday 26 April and all staff members have been offered jobs at other nearby locations in Alsager, Crewe and Sandbach. 

While the bakery has not ruled out returning to Newcastle in the future, Chatwins say rising costs and a decline in footfall mean it is "no longer viable" for the shop to remain open. 

A notice on the window from managing director, Edward Chatwin said: "After more than 40 wonderful years serving the people of Newcastle, we are saddened to announce that our shop will be closing. 

"This decision has not been made lightly, but a continued decline in footfall in the town centre, along with rising costs, has made it no longer viable for us to continue operating at this location. 

"Our final day of trading will be Saturday 26 April."

Chatwins has been operating in Newcastle for more than 40 years. (Nub News)

Founded in 1913 by John Chatwin, it's still a family business run by John Chatwin's three great-grandsons with 22 other shops in Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales. 

Chatwins has no presence in Stoke-on-Trent with its stores in Tunstall, Hanley and Longton long closed, and the Newcastle closure now means the bakery has no presence in Staffordshire. 

The company had previously submitted a planning application to try and open a shop in Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent, before it became home to a new Domino's location. 

Edward Chatwin added: "We have many fond memories of our time in Newcastle and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our customers and staff who have made it a privilege to be a part of such a vibrant community. 

"Should the right location become available in the future, Newcastle is certainly a place we would love to return to. 

"In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming our loyal customers to our nearby shops in Alsager, Crewe and Sandbach - some of whom may even be greeted by a familiar face. 

"We're pleased to share that our Newcastle staff have been offered roles at these locations

"Thank you for your continued support."

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READ: Home Bargains plans to open new store at former Homebase unit in Newcastle-under-Lyme

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