THE curtain will come down on a couple’s two-decade connection to Haddington town centre at the end of the month.

Mahmood Khalid and Rajiya Shareen have been familiar faces at Shopsmart since 2003.

Now they are getting ready to hand over the keys to the business.

Mahmood said: “Somebody was interested to take over and he is more energetic.

“I think he can provide the same service that I have been doing to the local community and I made sure of that.

“He will expand as well with some phone repairs and phone accessories.

“He is going to modernise the place.”

READ MORE: Shopsmart sign urges youngsters to treat elderly with respect

Originally, the business was based in what is now the nearby Marmaris takeaway, before moving to the opposite side of the street and then finally finding a home in the former Wee Masons shoe shop.

The couple, who live on Sidegate, said the decision to call it a day came with “mixed emotions”.

Mahmood said: “I have provided my service to the local community and tried my best to keep everybody happy.

“I will miss my customers; they are just like family to me. We are kind of sad to leave the place and the lovely customers but then again getting on, too.

“I think we need to slow down a little bit.”

Earlier this year, a large sign was placed in the window of the High Street business urging customers to treat elderly people with respect.

Now a second sign has been placed next to it, outlining the decision to step away.

It reads: “Dear town residents, I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for the support you have provided me over the years.

“I have recently sold my beloved newspaper and grocery shop that has been a part of this town’s community for quite some time.

“It was not an easy decision to make but I truly believe that the new owners will take good care of the store and continue to serve our community with the highest level of care and excellence.

“I am confident that the store will continue to thrive and support our town’s needs.

“As I move on to new adventures, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your patronage, your trust and your friendship.

“You have made this journey memorable and fulfilling.

“I will always cherish the memories and friendships that I made during my time as the owner of the store.

“If I have made mistakes during our time together, I am truly sorry and I hope you can forgive me.

“I cannot thank you enough for your patronage and support throughout the years.”

Jim Graham, who is a member of the town’s community council, owns Graham the Jeweller.

He said: “We are next door neighbours and we have got a great relationship with them.

“They are really nice people and we are sorry to see them leaving the High Street.”