A florist has closed just three months after opening in a town centre.

D&G Florists moved into the former Greggs bakery in Strood High Street, using an existing unit in a nearby alley as an overflow pop-up shop.

But co-owner Garry Butchers has posted on social media: “Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to permanently close.

“We have moved back to our original store in Tolgate Lane, the alley between the retail park and the High Street. Same staff, same great flowers.”

The now-closed shop opened in May and included a cafe.

Budding flower arrangers were taught skills first-hand from the other proprietor Frankie Davison, who has more than 27 years’ experience.

The two-storey business was open seven days a week and offered free delivery service across the Towns.

Before moving to Medway, Garry and Frankie ran the Flower Pot in Gravesend for 15 years, but paused their business after adopting three children.

KentOnline has approached Frankie for comment.

His love of flowers came from the age of three when he used to accompany his dad to Covent Garden where he worked.

The 46-year-old said: “I wasn’t that bright at school and when I left I got a job in a flower shop climbing up the ladder to become a manager.”

As he worked round the clock to get the new premises ready, he told KentOnline that trade was flourishing despite the cost-of-living crisis which had hit cash-strapped customers who may consider plants and flowers a luxury.

He said: “Flowers have that feel-good factor, brightening up the day, especially after a long cold winter.

“We have been busy since lockdown. It used to be more of an older-generation people thing. But now we get more young people who have enjoyed being in their garden and having plants around the house.

“We use British flowers and import from Holland, Colombia and Ecuador to ensure we have a good variety all year round.”

Frankie and college lecturer Garry, 36, opened their previous outlet in the alley three years ago.

“Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to permanently close.”

The couple and their three children, Sharna, 18, Mazie, 12, and Kingsley, nine, live in Wainscott.

Since the closure announcement, comments have poured in from disappointed shoppers.

Debra Delieu wrote: “Sorry to hear this, it brought a bit of colour to drab old Strood. Hope everyone is OK.”

Sally Barden commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking after all the effort you had made on the high street. Onwards and upwards to you all.”

Lisa Lehany said: “Such a shame. The shop was beautiful and brought a sense of cheer to the high street.”

From Daniel Goodman: “Such a shame, was a well-used addition to the high street, Let’s hope it doesn’t sit empty for years.”