OKEHAMPTON'S Chastey Shoes is to close after more than 30 years of shoeing the town. The shop has battled to stay open over the last five years, but has now finally decided to close its doors. Elaine Chastey said the shop's problems had been mostly caused by suppliers, who have increasingly put pressure on small shops to buy in unfeasibly large quantities. Elaine and her husband Paul took over Chastey Shoes nine years ago, following the death of Paul's father Ron, who was the store's original founder. The pair plan to stay in Okehampton, where Paul has already started work as a taxi driver. Okehampton residents were saddened to hear of the shop's closure. Ian Bailey, chairman of Okehampton Chamber of Trade said: 'It's always a shame when any business closes down, but it's especially sad when one closes after thirty one years of business. 'Most people in Okehampton must have worn a pair of shoes from Chastey's at some stage in their life. 'Paul has been a valued member of the chanber of trade since he took over the shop and we wish him all the best for the future.' He added that the closure of Chastey was symptomatic of the difficulties facing independent traders: 'No one's finding it easy to stay afloat these days.'
