FOREST Deli has begun a new chapter after closing its Coleford shop following eight and a half years of trading, with the first stages of its relocation now underway.

The popular independent business closed its town centre premises on Friday, October 9, as owners Simon and Debbie prepared to move towards a smaller operation focused on online orders, local deliveries and appearances at markets and events.

The transition began this week, with local removal company Forest Movers helping transport kitchen appliances from the Coleford premises to the business's new home-based location on Tuesday.

The removal team also helped rearrange larger items remaining inside the shop as the owners continued preparations for the next stage of the business.

Although the closure was announced last month, the latest developments marked a significant milestone for the independent retailer, which has become a familiar name in Coleford over nearly nine years.

Announcing their plans in September, the owners explained that the decision followed several changes to the business since it first opened.

They said: "We've loved every minute of the last eight and a half years, but it's time for us to downsize."

Despite closing the physical shop, Forest Deli will continue operating through its established website, offering click and collect services alongside local deliveries using its electric delivery van.

Customers will also be able to find the business selling cheese at markets, events and other locations throughout the Forest of Dean.

The owners have invested in their own production kitchen, allowing them to continue preparing and storing cheese while developing their Forest Delights range of locally produced food.

This includes fudge, preserves and chutneys, alongside the gifts and hampers which have become part of the business's offering.

Supporting local producers will remain an important priority, with Forest Deli planning to maintain relationships with suppliers it has worked alongside since opening.

Simon and Debbie acknowledged that the business's longer-term direction was still being considered, although they remained committed to maintaining a presence across the Forest.

They said: "To be honest we don't exactly know what the future will look like (who does?!), and we're going to take a bit of time to take a breath and work out the next steps."

Customers with existing bookings for cheese and local brew experiences were reassured that their events would remain valid, with the business continuing to supply cheese.

Electronic gift vouchers will also remain valid online, while customers holding loyalty card points were told to expect further information about how these would be transferred or used.

The owners thanked customers for their support throughout the shop's time in Coleford and expressed hope that the community would continue supporting the business as it evolved.

While the closure marked the end of an era for its town centre premises, Forest Deli's relocation signalled the beginning of a different approach to serving customers across the district.

Further updates about future locations, markets and events are expected through the business's website and social media channels.