The new owner of a Nantwich town centre convenience store has issued a message to residents after police and Trading Standards officers visited its premises.

Friendly Mart, High Street, was visited by Cheshire Police and Trading Standards on Wednesday 28 October.

In an open message addressed to the people of Nantwich, the shop's new management said it had fully cooperated with the search and claimed no products or other items were taken from the premises.

The team also said it had not been given any paperwork or explanation by officers when they left and intended to seek clarification through the "appropriate channels."

The visit comes after it was one of four convenience stores in Crewe and Nantwich to be shut down by Cheshire Police in July, as reported by Nub News.

Since taking over Friendly Mart, new owner, Daniel White, said their aim had been to run an honest business, welcome customers and become a positive part of the Nantwich community.

In a statement, Friendly Mart said: "We want to reassure everyone that we fully cooperated with the search. Nothing was found, and no products or other items were taken from our premises.

"We were not given any paperwork or explanation when the officers left, so we intend to seek clarification through the appropriate channels.

"We respect the work carried out by the authorities and understand that inspections and checks can be part of their responsibilities.

"However, we are disappointed and concerned by the feeling that some businesses may be facing greater scrutiny than others.

"We believe every business should be treated fairly, consistently and equally, without anyone feeling singled out.

"If checks are necessary, they should be carried out fairly and transparently, with the same standards applied to everyone."

Daniel also touched on wider concerns about policing, freedom of speech and fairness, while stressing that the business was not seeking special treatment.

He added: "Behind Friendly Mart are real people working hard to build a business, serve our customers and earn the trust of the local community.

"We understand trust is not earned overnight, and we do not expect people to judge us on words alone.

"We hope you will give us the opportunity to demonstrate through our actions the kind of business we want to be.

"Nantwich is the community we want to serve. Whether you visit us regularly or have never stepped through our doors, you are always welcome at Friendly Mart.

"We want every customer to feel comfortable, respected and valued."

The statement concluded with a thank you to customers and residents who had offered support during the shop's new chapter, adding: "New management. A fresh start. A genuine commitment to Nantwich."

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