An energy firm has been blamed for the closure of a tool shop in Lindford which has served East Hampshire tradespeople for 43 years.

The village recently lost one of its most treasured businesses as Altis closed after Christmas with the loss of 12 jobs.

Distraught boss Oliver Kemp has pointed the finger at SSEN saying the shop never recovered from the early 2024 roadworks along Liphook Road.

Customers went elsewhere and the shop suffered a huge drop in passing trade with no compensation available.

Altis Liphook Road Roadworks Lindford
The loss of trade caused by months of roadworks along Liphook Road in early 2024 proved key. (Oliver Kemp)

“It’s so sad as we’ve been here since 1981,” said Mr Kemp before thanking customers for their support and trade over the last four decades.

“Unfortunately the losses caused by the roadworks we had last year were too bad and were over £400,000.

“That needs to be put out there because the road closure wasn’t necessary and because of that a dozen people have lost their jobs.

The customers went elsewhere and never returned and that was big deciding factor”.