Balchins newsagents

20/05/2026

Card found outside shop - CJ. Fraser-Ashton

03/05/2026

Come on you Blues !!! To celebrate CUFC place in todays Playoffs we are GIVING AWAY 1 Packets of XL cheese crisps to every supporter who comes in the shop TODAY before Kickoff wearing a CUFC Home or Away Shirt. Simply ask at the counter for your free pack. Max ONE packet per customer. Home or away replica shirts from any season acceptable. no swapping shirts. The management withhold the right to withdraw this offer at any time .

14/04/2026

14/04/2026

Were now stock the two most common sizes used in button batteries - widely used in car keys & GPS airtags etc. only £1 for a pack of 5

11/04/2026

Even the management can be the butt of a practical joke here at Balchins 😂 that should teach him not to leave his dirty cup laying around 😉@

10/04/2026

New and now on sale in store - grab em before they go

30/03/2026

Sad day - the loss of another local company

This is a huge loss for our and for all the employees and something we never thought we would have to share from Routledges The Bakers 😞

After more than a century of serving our community, this is not something we ever thought we would have to write.

Since the end of 2024, we have faced relentless increases in our operational and ingredient costs.
Last week, we received our latest business rates bill — a bill that has risen dramatically compared to 2025 following the removal of the 40% hospitality relief that businesses like ours once relied on.

Alongside this, minimum wage increases, business rate increases and the reality of further energy price rises when we renew our contracts in the coming months means our operational costs alone will be over £80,000 higher than in 2025. This figure doesn’t even include the rapidly rising costs of ingredients and packaging, which are once again climbing at an alarming rate.

2025 was already one of the toughest years we have ever endured. The increase in Employers’ National Insurance, Wage Increases, Energy Renewals, Business Insurances and other costs increased our operational costs by over £100,000 along with high inflation on our ingredients. Like many small, independent businesses, we absorbed as much as we possibly could — but there comes a point where it is no longer sustainable.

At the same time, we have seen a continued decline in high street footfall. The reality is that the environment for small businesses like ours has changed beyond recognition.

So, with incredibly heavy hearts, we have made the decision not to face another year of rising costs and uncertainty.
Routledges has now closed for good after 109 years.

This is not just the end of a business — it is the end of a local institution, built over generations, supported by loyal customers, and made possible by the dedication of our incredible staff, past and present.

To everyone who has walked through our doors, supported us, shared memories with us, and made Routledges part of your lives — thank you. Your support has meant everything.

We are truly grateful.

23/03/2026

Mr frizzel - we have your bank card