A popular Poole store is set to close its doors for good on Christmas Eve.

G&T’s World of Cards is to close on Christmas Eve, over alleged issues with rent costs.

The shop, which has been in its current location in Poole High Street for nearly three years, has been forced to close its doors with management attributing the reason to rent problems.

Janice Bartlett, the manager of the shop, said that they had tried to negotiate.

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“I think we tried to negotiate the rent to bring it down a bit to stay open, but they weren't having any of it, as far as I’m aware.”

Ms Bartlett said that the shop had been present in Poole for as long as she could remember.

“Before [moving into the current premises] we were right down the high street by Lloyds. I don’t know how long we were there for. I’ve been here 14 years. That was where I started.

“We’ve been in the high street for a fair while.”

Despite the card chain having other branches close by, Ms Bartlett said it would be tough for some to travel to get to the other shops.

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“We’ve got other branches that are close, Parkstone and Broadstone, which is not too far for people that shop in Poole. But its just for the residents, you get to know your residents and your locals, and the people that come in week after week,” she said.

“Its really sad. Gutted, I am.”

Poole Town councillor Andy Hadley said that losing shops which residents keep coming back to is a great loss to the town: “It’s a great shame to lose shops that are well loved and have been in the town for a long time.

“It’s a shame to lose them but Poole town is generally doing reasonably well when I look around elsewhere, and I hope they find a new place they can move to.

“It’s a horrible thing to happen to you just before Christmas, to lose your role. I’m really sorry for the staff and I hope they find new opportunities quickly.”

The Dorset-based chain of card shops has eight stores across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. It has been operating for more than 30 years.