AN INDEPENDENT sandwich shop business has announced that its premises in Newton-le-Willows and Dentons Green are to close.

Newton Deli, on Wargrave Road, and Dentons Deli, on Greenfield Road, are to shut their doors this Saturday (March 5).

Marc Faulkner, director of The Deli Group has announced the closures of the premises.

Both shops have become focal parts of their communities.

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The Dentons Deli, offering free Christmas meals to those in need, and the Newton Deli has played host to a ‘community fridge’ for those struggling in the community.

The Newton Deli also worked alongside other small businesses, community groups and residents to help coordinate and deliver a strong community response during the Covid pandemic.

St Helens Star: Newton Community FridgeNewton Community Fridge

Announcing the closure, Marc said: “After four amazing years filled with ups, downs and experiences which will stay with us for a lifetime, it’s with broken hearts that we announce Newton Deli and Dentons Deli will close their doors for the last time this Saturday, March 5 at 2pm.

“We’ve fought as hard as we can until we have no fight left in us. We’ve invested every penny we had, and tens of thousands of pounds more besides, but sadly we’ve reached a point where we just can’t carry on, as difficult as that is to accept and admit.

“It’s been one heck of a journey, an adventure like no other, and we’ll never be able to thank enough those who’ve shared it with us.”

Marc said the business has 12 staff, and he expressed his gratitude to all involved at the Newton and the Dentons Deli.

“Our truly incredible team who’ve worked tirelessly, both those who are with us for this final chapter and every single person who’s been a part of this along the way,” he added.

“Our amazing suppliers, whose goodwill we’ve stretched to the absolute limits and who have stood by us no matter what. Our landlords at both shops, Amanda and Derek in Newton and John at Dentons, whose faith and trust in us has known no bounds. And, of course, you lot, our customers, our communities, without you we’d never have had this opportunity and we feel that our lives are all the richer for knowing each and every one of you. Thank you.”

Newton Deli was awarded the Lunch! Independent Retailer Community Award in 2021 in recognition of their COVID-19 pandemic response.

St Helens Star: Johnny Vegas helping out with the community response during the pandemic at Newton DeliJohnny Vegas helping out with the community response during the pandemic at Newton Deli

Marc, 33, added: “More than just being a butty shop, we’ve tried to bring something different to the table, something new which puts the community above all else, and whilst we’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, learned lots of lesson, some painful and some very expensive, we hope we’ve left our mark and helped our communities through some of the darkest days many of us have known.

“A special mention has to go to Newton and Earlestown Community Group for partnering with us on so many projects and initiatives, things that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the entire community working together. It’s been an absolute pleasure and an honour to be a part of, and we promise that whilst this door is closing we remain as committed to the community as we ever have been.

Marc added that discussions are ongoing with regards the future of the Newton Community Fridge and it is hoped that the concept can remain in place in the area.