Residents have reacted with sadness after an independent organic shop announced it is to close.

Natural and organic store Olive Well, in Main Road, Gidea Park, announced on August 29 that it was in the process of closing.

It has been clearing stock before the new owners take over, the shop posted on Facebook.

"We have had a fantastic journey and we feel blessed to have met so many wonderful people along the way," it said.

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Residents today (September 11) added that they are sad to see Olive Well go.

Brian Taylor, posting on Facebook, said: "Sad to see that the Olive Well [...] is closing.

"It was always an interesting shop with a different outlook on food and an alternative to Costa over the road for coffee and excellent cakes."

"We love the Olive Well, so sad to hear it's going," added Kaye Killington on Facebook.

Under planning application P1145.23, a change of use from the existing shop into a restuarant and takeaway has been proposed.

A decision from Havering Council is due by September 27.