A POPULAR record shop is to close because the owners can no longer afford to run it.

Vinyl Revolution, in Duke Street, Brighton, will shut its doors for good this weekend.

Owners Simon Parker and Rachel Lowe blamed the closure on the chaos caused by Brexit, £22,000 in business rates and high rent.

The couple have posted an impassioned video on YouTube saying they have no choice but to shut.

Mrs Lowe said: “We’ve been forced to close because the Government has created an environment in which it’s virtually impossible for a small independent shop to survive on the high street.”

Mr Parker said: “Hundreds of shops are closing every week and the Government is doing nothing.

“When the banking crisis happened the Government invested billions to save the industry and we want to know why they’re doing nothing to save independent retail.”

They also criticised the Government’s preferential treatment given to shops owned by big retail enterprises over small independent businesses, as well as the impact of rail closures on potential customers from outside Brighton.

The shop’s owners are now urging people to sign their petition to the Government.

It says: “Take immediate action to save independent retail from dying.”

The petition has the backing of Brighton Pavilion Green MP Caroline Lucas, who makes an appearance in the couple’s video.

In it Ms Lucas says: “I’ve just got a message for Government, which is please take local independent retailers far more seriously.

“They are the lifeblood of our communities.

“They are what make places like Brighton special.

“They are what get people spending money in our communities and keeping that money circulating locally.

“If we’re serious about job creation it’s the small shops, the independent shops, that do that, not the huge retailers who frankly often then outsource their profits and don’t even benefit the communities around them.”

Vinyl Revolution has been a community favourite since it opened its doors for the first time in July 2017.

The shop, which sells vinyl records, clothing and posters, was known for handing out free food and drink to eager shoppers queuing up outside in the early hours of Record Store Day.

The business will continue to sell records on its website and host pop-up shops.

By Jonathan Chadwick