An independent coffee shop is set to close.

The owners of Jones Coffee Co in Worthing said despite a “wonderful” two and a half years in the town centre the current “tough climate” had “forced” their hand.

Announcing the “incredibly difficult” decision, bosses Katie and Ben Jones thanked their customers and paid tribute to their team in a heartfelt statement online.

They described the last two years as a rollercoaster and said running the business in Chapel Road had been both incredibly tough and a joy.

The shop will remain open until mid-December.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Worthing community and welcoming you to our little coffee shop over these years,” they wrote.

“It’s been everything we could have wanted and more, and we believe we have created the place we set out to: a warm and welcoming space to enjoy the best coffee, inclusive to all, with quality and customer service at the heart of everything.

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“The team in the shop who you’ve been seeing everyday have been instrumental in all of this and have very much put their stamp on it. Some of them have been with us since the start, others have built great experience, and others are more recent to the team but still a vital part of this team. We want to thank them all wholeheartedly for what they have delivered and achieved.

“Special thanks go also to our wonderful suppliers, most of whom are local individuals who we have loved working with and who have provided something unique to us – and you. Please keep supporting them.

“And to our partners, artists, and local charities who we’ve worked with – it’s been fantastic to collaborate with so many local, worthy people and organisations.

“To all of you who have ever walked through the doors and supported us – thank you. To those who return day after day – the biggest thank you. It is the best compliment to know that you’ve appreciated what we offer and that you’ve chosen us to continue visiting. We have never taken this for granted.”