A POPULAR vintage store is leaving Newport city centre.

Black Bear Vintage, on Skinner Street, will close its doors at the end of the month.

The shop has been open on Skinner Street since November 2017, after relocating from Commercial Street due to issues with the building.

This time, owner, Christopher Baldwin is moving further afield.

Mr Baldwin explained: "We recently had a flood from the building work above, which has led to financial difficulty, with a lot of stock destroyed.

"I'll be regrouping in Ragamuffins Emporium, in Pontypool, but my intention is to set up a second shop in Newport, because it's my home.

"I see it as a great opportunity, as Pontypool Council seem very driven to redevelop their city centre, but I don't want to give up being in Newport.

"At the moment it's tough for small, independent businesses, who are feeling the pressure of business rates

"I understand this isn’t necessarily the responsibility of Newport City Council, but something does need to be done to support independent, local traders.

"I can’t be beaten, but I need room to breathe. Everyone can still follow us on social media, and I'm looking at building a website, so Newportonians can still be involved.

"It’s not over, it’s just a little breather."

You can find Black Bear Vintage on Facebook: @BlackBearVintageWales on Twitter: @BBVWales or on Instagram: @blackbearvintagewales