A TOY SHOP owner closed the doors on his shop in Feltham for the last time this week after 32 years in the business, and blames inconsiderate landlords and town centre mismanagement for the loss of his store.

Happicraft has supplied toys and nursery equipment from Feltham High Street to three generations of children, but shop owner Grant McKenzie, 62, brought the shop's many years of trading to an end on Monday (April 28th).

He says he wasn't given a chance by his landlords who wouldn't give him any concessions when the massive redevelopment of Feltham Town centre begins: We've been forced out by the landlords'', he told the Times, they expect me to carry on trading when this place is a building site, and I'm not the only one being forced out. The carpet shop on the corner, and the pine shop by Barclays bank are all closing too.''

Outline planning permission was given for the 9 acre regeneration scheme in the town centre in August 2001, with building work expected to begin next year. Proposed improvements include a new supermarket, shops, library, community facilities, offices, a health centre, houses, car parking and access roads.

A council spokesperson commented that the mixed-use development would: help create a vibrant town centre, both in the day and the evening, and would also help people move around the town''.

Many shops have been bought under compulsory purchase orders, though Happicraft falls outside the CPO zone.

Although Grant wished the development scheme good luck, he felt the council had previously neglected the area for too long, leading to a gradual drop in trade: Most towns have a viable town centre, Feltham doesn't. Whatever the landlords have done and whatever the council have done seems to have made it worse.''

The toy store owner, who owns another shop in Twickenham where he will now be spending most of his time, still has fond memories of working in Feltham: It's been a happy business to be in. We've had lots of lovely customers over the years. It's sad that yet another local shop has to close.''

He also felt regret at having to let three staff members go: We're just very sorry to leave after all those years, it's very disappointing.''