A YORK craft shop is set to close later this year, and its owner has cited high rate and rent concerns among other issues.

The York Makery, on Gillygate, was opened in April 2016 by Kayleigh Oliver, and specialises in yarns and fabrics. It also runs craft classes and workshops and offer parties for children and adults.

After nearly three years in business, Kayleigh has announced on its website that she will not renew the shop’s current lease when it runs out at the end of March.

Kayleigh explained: “It wasn’t a decision taken lightly, but we do feel it is the right one given the circumstances surrounding us.

“The decline of high street shopping habits, the increase of specialist craft shows, the competition from supermarkets and cheap chain shops, the [high] cost of rent and rates on a commercial property and most obviously the prevalence of online shopping in our everyday lives have all contributed to this decision.

“However, most notably, working as a sole trader is incredibly challenging, tiring, demanding and requires exceptional and unrelenting resilience, and I feel the time is right for me personally to move on.”

Kayleigh said the shop will open for business as usual this and next month, and scheduled classes will all take place as planned.

She added that there will be a closing down sale starting sometime in February and running into March.

The current plan is to close at the end of March.