Two high street fixtures have confirmed they are to shut down.

Green Pounder, a hardware store on Green Lanes, Palmers Green, will close their doors this month after 26 years of trading.

Serdar Ozkes, has run Green Pounder since 2009, said he can no longer afford to run the shop and keep up with the competition.

He also said the business rates and rent for the premises - £968 per month in rates, plus £5000 rent each quarter – were too high for him to bear.

Mr Ozkes said: “There is no way I can cover everything, we are just making a small living. Despite trying our best, we are in a terrible condition.

“This will lead any kind of business to closure, we are all trying and struggling. Plenty of people are trying to sell up and go, but you can’t just walk away.

“It is too late for me. Even big companies are having to shut their doors.

“The rates and the rent make sure both parties lose. If they were not so high, we would still exist.”

He was correct to say bigger businesses are leaving Palmers Green, with WHSmith confirming their store on Aldermans Hill, just off Green Lanes, will also shut this summer.

A spokesperson, who the company refused to name, said: “We can confirm that the WHSmith store in Palmers Green will be closing in mid-July. 

“Unfortunately we are unable to continue to trade viably from this location and the decision has been taken to close the store at this time because of the forthcoming lease expiry.”

Enfield Council have been contacted for comment on the closures of the shops.