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21
Sept 2022
Ainsty Farm Shop says if new PM was chosen sooner it could have saved their business
The owners of Ainsty Farm Shop have said if a new Prime Minister had been appointed sooner it could have saved their business.
This morning, the government announced a huge package of support for businesses that will see energy bills cut in half for the next six months.
Despite the energy crisis growing all summer, the measures were only announced after the two-month Conservative Party leadership battle between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
For the farm shop off the A59, which closed last week, it's come too late.
The Stray Ferret reported in August how farmers Lily and Stuart Beaton had run the popular store for 22 years but planned to close due to spiralling bills.
They had been given an energy quote of £90,000 — a massive increase from the £20,000 a year they had previously been paying.
Ms Beaton said:
Read more:
- Cost of living crisis fund launched for North Yorkshire
- £70,000 energy bill increase forces Harrogate district farm shop to close
The package of support will last for six months, which Ms Beaton described as a "stay of execution".
She is worried that next winter, businesses could again be placed in a perilous position with no guarantee of another government bailout.
She added:
The couple are now busy removing the fridges, tills and shelving from the store as they prepare to simplify their business.
They will continue to sell meat and produce from their farm via an online mailing list and through their online shop.
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