// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Independent bookshop closing after rise in bills
The Chicken and Frog bookshop initially managed to survive the Covid-19 lockdowns and subsequent cost-of-living increases
An independent bookshop described as being a "haven" for families and neurodivergent children has announced it will close after 14 years.
The Chicken and Frog says it will leave Brentwood town centre in January after a huge increase in its bills and business rates.
Owner Natasha Radford, aka "Mrs Chicken", also says the town's footfall has been so low that at times she has gone a whole day without a sale.
The 53-year-old said she had been busy since announcing the news, with customers coming in for a hug and a farewell.
"It means the world because running your own business is difficult. It becomes all-consuming," said Radford, a former teacher.
"So, to know that we've had a positive impact on people's lives... it's huge."
Customer Stephanie has enjoyed taking her children to events at the shop
The shop's absence will leave behind more than just empty bookshelves, as it runs workshops and provides a sensory space.
Stephanie took her neurodivergent child to the shop and said the news was "truly heartbreaking" and that it would be an "immense loss" to Brentwood.