AFTER almost 34 years of trading, March Deep Freeze will close its doors at the end of next month. Owners Stephen and Linda Butler are retiring and have sold the premises to a development company. Plans have been submitted to Fenland District council for

AFTER almost 34 years of trading, March Deep Freeze will close its doors at the end of next month.Owners Stephen and Linda Butler are retiring and have sold the premises to a development company. Plans have been submitted to Fenland District council for a new retail unit to be built on the Station Road site.The couple started the freezer centre in 1972 by renting one small shop next to the Coachmaker's Arms pub. As more shops became empty the business expanded until by 1987 the freezer shop occupied the whole row of four shops.At first the business concentrated in supplying whole carcasses of lamb, sides of pork and quarters of beef to customers who were keen to save money by buying in bulk. Lots of chest freezers were being sold as the era of home freezing got into full swing.Buying habits have gradually changed with the emphasis changing to convenience foods as lifestyles became more busy. Customers wanted food they could heat and eat and the business followed the trend by offering a huge range of pre-prepared foods at economical prices.Buying end of line and discontinued stock offers means the centre has been able to offer a vast number of products at discounted prices.The shop has a range of more than 3,000 lines including gateaux, ice-cream, pizzas, poultry, fish and vegetables which will be on sale until the end of the month. During February stocks will be run down to clear the shop. At the end of February freezers, fixtures and fittings will be sold off.Mr Butler said: "Many customers are very sorry to hear we are closing and I will also miss them. I would like to take this opportunity tot hank everyone who has shopped in our store. "Lots of people have been loyal customers since we first opened. We still plan to run March Deep Freeze as a small wholesale business from our High Street premises and will be supplying bulk goods to local traders and customers.