Shoppers, residents and members of Petersfield’s business community have shown their support for a long-serving butcher following a surprise closure and emotional announcement.

Rumours began circulating about the future of Morgan’s Traditional Family Butchers late last week after the Lavant Street business failed to open.

The doors have remained closed since but an update has been provided to customers online, prompting a wave of goodwill and support.

The Post has also been told, off the record, about the reasons for the temporary closure, and would like to echo the messages of support shown online and elsewhere.

“We wanted to let you know that the shop is currently closed for a while due to personal reasons,” wrote ‘The Team at Morgan’s” on Monday.

“We are so incredibly grateful – to every single customer, and to all the wonderful local businesses who have trusted us over the years.

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The much-loved business is currently closed with "personal reasons" being cited. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

“Your support and loyalty have meant the absolute world to us, and we can’t thank you enough.

“We’ll be sharing an update in the coming weeks about when we hope to be back behind the counter and serving you all again.

“Thank you for your kindness, your understanding, and your patience while we take this time for ourselves.”

Michelle Bicknell, Hector’s owner and head of the traders association, also sent a message of goodwill.

“I’m rooting for them and we wish them all the best,” said Michelle, whose Chapel Street firm kitted out the Morgans team.

“I do hope they are up and open again soon.”

The development comes at a difficult time for parts of the town centre with question marks also hanging over TG Jones – formerly WHSmith – and Poundland.

The former is the process of closing 150 stores across the UK, while the latter is teetering on collapse with crunch talks being held.