A RYDE sweet shop is closing its doors after more than two years of trading on Union Street.

'Everything must go' reads the sign in the window of the Pink Elephant next to Wetherspoons.

The store's owner, 63-year-old James Doyle, made the decision the shut up shop after he realised he was only making money from ice cream and soft drinks in the summer months.

"There's just not enough support in Ryde," said Mr Doyle. "It's just rubbish, it's just got so bad on the Island, there's just not enough money here."

Mr Doyle says people have been telling him they'll miss the shop, but weren't willing to support him in the quieter months.

He also blamed cheap supermarket deals and tight family budgets for his lack of trade in recent months.

He added: "Gone are the days when you'd get a little old lady coming in the shop and spending £10 or £20.

"In five years time there isn't going to be little shops like this. It's going to get worse."

Mr Doyle fears the end of the high street entirely by 2030 as technology makes it too easy for people to shop online.

In recent weeks, a number of Ryde businesses have closed including travel agent TUI.

However, new businesses including the Steam Punk vape shop, Bar 64 and private members club 'OTTO' have opened up in the town centre.