RUBY Tuesday, the independent clothing store in Monmouth, is set to close its doors for good this Saturday (18th July).

The closure was announced last Monday, but has been on the cards for a while.

"We've thought about it for a long time and talked about it for the last five years", said Jeffrey Bailey, co-owner of Ruby Tuesday.

The dress shop in Agincourt Square was set up in 1981 by Jeffrey and co-owner Linda Charles, who will keep their shop in Ross-on-Wye open, and plan to concentrate on that branch as a project for the future.

Linda and Jeffrey said that the business has been a big part of their lives for nearly 40 years.

Jeffrey said: "We've gradually evolved, but we always wanted to stick to our original image.

"Every season is a new season, and a new challenge"

Ruby Tuesday hopes the new business moving into the building soon, another independent ladieswear shop, will be as happy there as they have been.

"We moved in, and had our period, now someone else is moving in and hopefully it'll continue.

"The old property has many memories and has changed a lot over the years, and it'll be nice to see it carry on."

The shop has many loyal customers, who have wished them the best of luck for the future.

"People have been so nice, they've said they'll definitely miss us. It's surprising really, how many people have said these things to us. I walked down the street last week and it took me much longer than usual because people kept stopping me to say good luck."