A Glossop-based butchers has said it is "devastated" after closing its abattoir for the final time this week following over 100 years in business.

The abattoir on Victoria Street was run by brothers John and Steven Mettrick, the fifth generation since the business was founded, and relied on for slaughtering by around 200 farmers. 

Mettrick’s Butchers said the “very difficult and emotional decision” was “not taken lightly” but was down to staff shortages in the abattoir itself and the cutting room.

It has reassured customers that the shop and food service parts of the business are unaffected.

A statement said: “Stock is still being supplied from the same local farms we have dealt with for years. We’ve come to arrangements with other small abattoirs with a similar ethos to our own to process our stock for us and bring the carcasses to our Victoria Street cutting room for dry aging and butchery.

“We can assure you that the animals are still transported short distances to slaughter and the abattoirs we work with do not operate non stun/religious slaughter.

“We are devastated to close the abattoir and particularly because of the effect this will have on the many small livestock farmers whose businesses used our facility. We would like to thank them for their custom through the years.

“We have made every effort to continue to provide customers with the best local meat through our high street shop and hope we can depend on your support going forward. We would also like to say thank you for all the support we have received over the last few days from friends, family & valued customers.”

Campaigners say small abattoirs, essential for economic and practical reasons to supply locally-produced meat, are facing a wide range of challenges and extra costs.

Mettrick’s Butchers claims closing its abattoir has been brought about by government policy decisions which are also resulting in the closure of similar abattoirs across the country.

Ruth George, Whaley Bridge county councillor and former High Peak MP, said she was "so very sad" to hear the news. 

Writing on her Facebook page, she said: "I attended meetings in Parliament with John four years ago, where he explained to ministers what needed to change to make sure that small abattoirs didn’t have to close, but they have failed to act.

“John invited me to visit his abattoir and I saw for myself how the animals were completely unstressed. It’s different in larger abattoirs, and now local farmers will need to take their animals much further to slaughter, making it more difficult and expensive for them.

“Around half of small abattoirs have closed already and every one is a tragedy for that family and their local community. I know many people will be affected by Mettricks’ closure. At least their wonderful butcher’s shop will continue.”

High Peak MP Robert Largan described the news as "a big blow for Glossop and for farming in Derbyshire". 

He added: "I’ve been raising the challenges faced by Mettrick’s and other small abattoirs with Ministers, so I’m really disappointed that we’ve come to this point. I’m just glad that Mettrick’s Butchers, which I use as my local butcher, is staying in business and continuing to serve local people.”

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