A councillor is calling on the government to step in and support local businesses as another business has closed down after 15 years of trading.

The closure of The Chocolate Cafe in Ramsbottom has been met with sadness from residents after it announced it couldn’t keep up with rising bills.

In a statement posted on Facebook, owner of The Chocolate Cafe, Philip Hargreaves, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is hitting us at both ends, our much-loved customers have less in their pockets and goods and energy have increased by 40 per cent and in some cases doubled.

“It’s just no sustainable. The team have done wonderful things and I’m so proud of what you have done and despite our online business growing at an incredible rate, it’s just not enough to support the hospitality side of our business.”

Customers have commented on the social media post saying the closure will be a 'massive loss to the town'.

This comes not long after Levanter on Square Street and Baratxuri on Smithy Street closed down due to struggling with industry pressures and escalating costs.

Speaking on the closure of yet another Ramsbottom business closing down, councillor Tom Pilkington said: “I can't deny it, it's difficult to write this as we see another jewel of Ramsbottom's independent offering sadly succumb to factors not of their own making.”

He noted the closure of The Chocolate Cafe is not an isolated incident as, according to the Centre for Retail Research, 17,145 shops were forced to close in 2022.

Cllr Pilkington continued: “That's almost 50 each week and an increase of almost 50 per cent compared to the previous covid affected year.

“It is testament to the community and resolve of Ramsbottom that we are only now starting to see the impact of the energy crisis.

“As councillors we are doing what we can. We've brought events back to Ramsbottom to increase footfall, makers markets too.

"We've initiated an events group, we all shop and promote local and will accelerate the Ramsbottom Town Plan to support out wonderful businesses.

“Despite our best efforts, these businesses need more government support. It's unfair that they're paying the price for the mistakes of others.

"Better late than never, there now needs to be an urgent move forwards to provide greater support on energy rates.

“We should be cutting business rates, paid for by increasing digital services tax for online companies. The whole system needs reform and a solution fit for today.

“Profiteering energy companies should also contribute via a windfall tax. We are doing all we can and call for others with influence to do the same.

“Of course we pass on our best regards to Phil and his family who have done an amazing job, in extremely challenging circumstances.

"We say thank you and wish them every success in the future.”