The owner of a popular card shop says financial pressures are forcing him to close next year.

Ricky’s Cards in High Street, Rickmansworth, is set to close on Wednesday January 6 after trading in the town for 28 years.

The shop’s owner Anil Patel questioned “the point” of continuing the business when he is forced to pay £14,000 in rent and £14,500 in business rates each year.

While the shop space is rented from a private landlord, business rates are collected by Three Rivers District Council.

This is calculated using a value which is given to a business premises by the Valuation Office Agency, which multiplies it by a rate of 45p set by the government. Rates change every year in line with inflation.

Mr Patel said: “I have been working very hard on the business.

“But if you cannot get the rates and the rent what is the point of continuing the business?

“More and more small businesses are leaving the High Street. You only have to look at the number of charity shops and restaurants opening up.

“How can they justify the rates?"

The 67-year-old took over management of the shop eleven years ago after his friend who was running the shop became ill.

But the father-of-two said the card and stationery shop has become very popular with customers.

He continued: “They were really upset when they found out we are closing.

“Some of them were crying. They were asking where they were going to get their cards from. We do more traditional type cards.

“People are looking for things cheaper and cheaper. They want the higher quality but are not willing to pay for it.”

Mr Patel’s daughter, Pretty Patel, said: “My dad has been a hard working businessman for as long as I can remember. He has been an inspiration to friends and family.

“We are super proud of him. He can now spend time with his two adorable grandchildren and watch them grow up.

“On behalf of my mum and dad, I would like to thank the most amazing customers that have remained loyal to Ricky’s Cards.”

Kevin Snow, spokesman for Three Rivers District Council, said vacancy rates are low in the town and insisted the council is supporting business.

He added: “Three Rivers has a thriving economy with low unemployment and we regret any business in Rickmansworth closing.

“It is in private landlords’ own interests to take a long term, sustainable, approach to setting commercial rents.”