The closure of a village bakery that had been trading for over 50 years is a ‘sad sign of the times’, said a local councillor.

La Patisserie on Fairfax Road in Kidlington closed on March 25 having first opened its doors in 1966.

It was one of the oldest continuous businesses in the village.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire bakery closes after more than 50 years business

Oxfordshire County Councillor for Kidlington South Division, Ian Middleton, said: “As a resident, councillor and independent retail champion, I was very sad to see the closure of this much loved and long-standing business.

“I know many people will miss it greatly and have posted stories on social media about how long they have been visiting this family run shop."

La Patisserie had been on the market for over 18 months.

Oxford Mail:

Cllr Middleton added: “I know the owners have struggled to find a buyer and I believe they have even suggested that they could sell the premises with the fixtures and fittings included just to keep it trading at the heart of the local community.

“As one of the few remaining local independent high street shops in Kidlington, the loss of the La Patisserie is a sad sign of the times.

“People really need to get behind unique businesses like these as once they are gone it's very unlikely, we'll ever get them back."

Oxford Mail:

Kidlington has recently witnessed the closure of other long-standing local businesses.

Popular family-run pet shop Alison’s Animals closed its doors in January after 17 years of business.

The owner posted on Facebook: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve and get to know you all.

“Thank you for all the kind words, they have meant a great deal.

“You will all be missed.”

La Patisserie was both a retail and wholesale artisan bakery.

It produced its own bread, pastries and 90 per cent of its own confectionaries.

The bakery has been sold to allow owner Gary Johnson to retire.

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Mr Johnson began working at the bakery when he was 19 after leaving an apprentice chef position at St Anne’s College.

He later purchased the business himself.

Mr Johnson has described the bakery as something which has “been in my life, all my life”.

Kidlington residents have expressed sadness at the closure of La Patisserie.

One resident commented: “Very sad to see it go.

“I grew up knowing we could get our daily bread and other treats at La Patisserie.

 “A big part of Kidlington gone.”

Another added: “Yes, very sad.

“A big thank you to all staff, past and present, for good service, delicious bread, and a good variety of cakes, pastries, and other treats.”