A Redbridge kosher butcher has closed after more than four decades of trading.

Ilford Kosher Meats, whose premises were opposite Ilford Synagogue in Beehive Lane, shut up shop just before Pesach, leaving customers looking to the area’s other two kosher butchers for their supplies.

The closure, following the retirement of owner Brian Brown, was a sad loss to the community, said Ilford Synagogue chairman Maurice Shear.

“We’re not exactly overflowing with kosher butchers, so it’s a great shame to lose one like this. It is particularly sad given that Ilford Kosher Meats has been a fixture in the community for so many years.”

Rabbi Alex Chapper of Ilford Federation Synagogue commented: “My family was among a band of regular loyal customers, who will miss the service provided by the shop. I don’t believe the closure reflects any deeper malaise among the community when it comes to kashrut, as we still have a thriving network of kosher food suppliers.”