A cherished Caversham butchers, which closed earlier this year, now looks set to be turned into a one-bed flat.

Family-run Whitings Butchers, at 20 Coldicutt St, shut permanently in March after more than a century serving the community.

The Caversham butchers stopped trading at the end of March because of owner Martin Howarth’s health.

Mr Howarth has the rare immune condition pyoderma gangrenosum which forced him to undergo a double amputation and the family decided to close the shop in March.

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Daughter Coral Howarth said: “Since the first amputation, Martin’s son Daniel took over running the butchers and we as a family are very proud of him. He’s done a great job and he was fantastic with the customers.

“Sadly we came to the decision to close the butchers due to dad’s ill health. Dad also has other medical conditions which he has battled for years so it was the best decision as a family to close the doors for good.”

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Mr Howarth has now submitted a proposal to convert the butchers into a one-bed flat, which council planners will decide on later this year.

Caversham residents can still buy meat from the Caversham Butcher, on Church Street, and Jennings of Caversham, on Prospect Street.

In other planning news, boutique shop Covered Pearls, on 576 Oxford Road, could become two one-bed flats.

Plans have been submitted to convert the women’s clothing store into flats, which both have private access and be on the ground floor, in addition to the current flat on the first floor.