Many people living in a small village in the North East have been left disappointed after their butcher disappeared just days before Christmas – having already taken money for their turkeys.
They had been paying Whitwells, a local butchers in Easington Colliery, County Durham, in instalments to help ease the cost of their turkey amidst the cost of living crisis.
But now, they risk being turkeyless after the butcher’s shut down, without notice, just two days before Christmas.
Customers were surprised to find a note on the door of the shuttered shop explaining that bailiffs were intending to take control of the store’s goods.
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It apparently came after a High Court ruling to recover unpaid debts.
Naturally, those who had already been paying were concerned at the news, but despite calling and messaging the butchers, it appears they have been left in the lurch.
It’s believed that nearly 150 customers had paid in instalments for their Christmas hampers throughout the year, with prices ranging from £20 to £200, the Metro reports.
Unable to get answers from the butcher, many took to Facebook to try and find out what was going on.
“Is it possible to get an update on what's going on with our Christmas hampers please? We need to know if we are going to have them in time or if we need a refund. Lots of people won't be able to get more meat etc without a refund..,” said one customer.
“Just a quick update on what's occurring. Otherwise we are panicking and we need to know. I understand your going through something yourselves but please just pop us an update.”
“What's going on, only spoke yesterday about collecting our meat hamper today but shutters are down????” said another.
Another person said: “No Christmas tree for lasses and now potentially Christmas Dinner is cancelled. They don't care about anyone not so much as a general comment.”
But, in the spirit of the holidays, other commenters have offered to help anyone struggling to find a turkey for Christmas Day.
“In light of what's happened, if anyone knows of a family or persons who will struggle to replace, my husband and I will donate a Christmas dinner (Turkey and trimmings) each to two households,” offered one kind-hearted soul.
Another offered up a chicken, while someone else commented: “I've been into the butchers in Blackhall and they have told me to spread the word that if anyone is stuck there will do their best to help us all. This is totally crap that this has happened this close to Christmas and they have just totally disappeared and leaving us all hanging.”
LADbible has contacted Whitwells for comment.
Anna Verdon