A TAUNTON greengrocers is closing after 30 years in business. 

Jamie Philpots, Fruit Fancy greengrocers on Priorswood Place, is set to retire from his work tomorrow afternoon (July 29), closing the business behind him. 

Jamie and his wife Christine took over the business in 1989, and has been bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a lot of character, to the community ever since. 

Mr Philpots said: "You meet so many different people - and I like to play them up big time. 

"There's never a dull moment here, and you've got to have a good sense of humour.

"I've seen the community grow and change around me. People say they used to come in to shop when they were only little, and now they're grown up with their own children."

Mr Philpots has received around 40 cards from his beloved locals, including one from mayor of Taunton Deane Hazel Prior-Sankey. 

The mayor delivered the card to the popular green grocer to thank him for his service. 

Mr Philpots says that he has seen a decline in custom over the years. 

"The supermarkets have killed off some of our trade," he said.

"We don't get many really big orders, but we definitely still have loyal customers." 

In his retirement, Mr Philpots, who has lived in Taunton his whole life plans to go fishing, walk his dog more often, and look after things around the house - as his wife has recently taught him how to use the washing machine. 

He said he won't miss the 5am starts and 10-hour days. 

The business will be closing its doors tomorrow, but Mr Philpots hopes to see a new greengrocers open in its place. The shop has been put up for let by Taunton Deane Borough Council. 

Mr Philpots added: "It would be a real shame if there wasn't a green grocers here, it would definitely be missed, especially by the older people in the area."