A FAMILY-RUN dessert parlour is closing its doors for the final time after struggling with the impact of the Covid pandemic and rising running costs. 

Wafflelicious & Coffeelicious, in High Street, Wickford, will close for the last time on Friday, leaving fans of the dessert parlour disappointed. 

The owners say they have made the tough decision to close due to higher running costs as well as the difficulty of recovering from the pandemic.

Shelly and Neil Norris said they will miss seeing all the “amazing” customers and friendships they formed over the years.

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Shelly said: “We have had to make the decision to close the business as unfortunately the rent here is extortionately high. 

“With the higher running costs on top, and sadly not much footfall, it has become more difficult.

“Business was great at the start as it was always busy. 

“But then Covid hit, and we never fully recovered from all the closures and lockdown.

“Then with the cost-of-living crisis everyone is struggling.  

“We feel mixed emotions. It is sad to be closing and not being able to see many of the amazing customers we have met over the years.

“But we are also happy in that we will be able to spend some much-needed quality time as a family together.”

Wafflelicious & Coffeelicious is a dessert and coffee shop all in one. It sells items such as waffles, pancakes, ice creams, milkshakes, coffees, and much more.

The husband and wife duo took over the business at the beginning of 2019.

They made the decision to take on a new business after Neil suffered a heart attack, meaning he was unable to continue to work on the family construction business.

Shelly added: “The community has been amazing over the years with their support.

“Without them we wouldn’t have been able to continue for as long as we did, and there are some customers that are now more like family to us.

“It has been a tough time, but they have been there for us through everything.”