Villagers have been left devastated after two popular businesses have announced they are closing because their site is being redeveloped, and a third has announced it will not be opening for the foreseeable future.

Munchies cafe and Indian restaurant Mira Spice are both based in the village of Steventon near Didcot and both businesses closed their doors last week on Wednesday July 1.

Munchies in Steventon said it had been forced to close by the plans for its building on High Street.

However, the owner is in the process of relocating the business and told customers they would be kept up-to-date with future plans.

Ruth from Munchies wrote on the Facebook page Spotted: Steventon & Drayton.

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She said: “The management and staff would like to thank all our customers past and present for their support. We will keep you posted on our progress in the coming weeks and we look forward to seeing you in the future.

“On a personal note I would like to thank my staff for all their help over the past two years.

“I would also like to thank everyone in Steventon who has made me feel very welcome... I will miss the friendships I have made during my time here.”

Mira Spice which was located next door to Munchies also announced its closure.

Mark from Mira Spice wrote on the Facebook page Spotted: Steventon & Drayton.

He explained that he was sad to announce the closure and he was struggling to find a new location in Steventon for his Indian takeaway.

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He said: “I would like to thank all my lovely customers from the past three years for supporting me. I feel all Steventon people are my family and friends and I love all of my customers and friends in Steventon.”

Munchies and Mira Spice have both been forced to close because the building they used has now been bought by a housing developer called Albright Dene explained parish clerk.

Mrs Angela Einon, Steventon parish clerk said: “The whole area around Munchies and Mira Spice has been bought by developers. They propose to redevelop it into flats I believe, but it has not been submitted as a planning application.”

She added: “They were particularly popular businesses as well. They work very well in the village and what we will get in replacement will not be the same sort of units, they will not be used to provide food.”

In addition to Mira Spice and Munchies, villagers are also worried The Cherry Tree pub could close, which would make a third business loss for Steventon.

The pub is closed due to the pandemic but has made the announcement that it will not be open in the ‘foreseeable future’, but not because of the proposed redevelopment.

The Cherry Tree pub, which is owned by Wadworth, wrote on its Facebook page and said: “Following our post yesterday about delaying our opening beyond July 4, please note for our pub, Wadworth have no plans to open this pub for the foreseeable future.

"We ask for your patience and support - and we will update on our plans in due course.”