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A popular family-run bakery has been abruptly shut, leaving customers gutted. Historic British bakery chain Birds Bakery closed down one of its most popular locations on Derby Road, Stapleford over the weekend. The East Midlands chain that first opened in 1919, officially closed the town centre location on Saturday, March 14.

Known for its loaves, cobs, pork pies, sausage rolls, and fresh cream cakes, the bakery had been a long-standing staple for the area. It has even been described as "legendary" by a neighbouring business on Derby Road. The pub said the bakery was "a much established local business that will be sadly missed by all the regular customers".

A spokesperson for Birds told the Nottingham Post: "This has been a difficult decision and not one that has been taken lightly.

"The area has experienced a significant decline in trade in recent years, reflecting the wider challenges facing high streets across the country and we have had to carefully consider what is sustainable for the future.

"We regularly review our locations so we can adapt to changing customer needs and ensure the long-term strength for the business.

"We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of everyone who has worked at the Stapleford store, past and present."

One man said: "Another death nail to Stapleford town centre. But on a positive note let's hope for another funeral parlour or charity shop."

Another added: "Going to miss your welcome and crusty cobs but picked up my pork pies for the year today. Good luck ladies and thank you all."

However, some said a nearby car park being lost to development had made it difficult for elderly and disabled customers to get to the shop.

One woman wrote: "Used to use the Stapleford Birds, very nice staff. Not been in since the car park moved."

The Derby-based bakery has just over 60 shops, mostly across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. In a rolling programme the shops are being given a rebrand, changing the burgundy colour scheme to pale green and modernising the interior, but the Stapleford shop wasn't one of them.