A BUTCHER has slung his hook — leaving dozens of customers without a turkey.
One 80-year-old who spent £120 on a bird had to fork out £100 for another.
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Others paid more £140 for a hamper but have been redirected to “liquidators” by owner Neville Hallis.
Punters have been left seething at his shock closure of The New Forest Butcher Shop in Lyndhurst, Hants.
A window notice blamed “high energy bills and slow custom” and said details “will be passed to our liquidators who may contact you”.
One customer, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s disgusting he was taking money right up to the day before he shut.”
Local retired engineer Tony Herbert won £230 in vouchers for the butcher’s in a meat raffle, and saved them for Christmas.
He said: “I ordered the turkey about two weeks ago. I give it to a young family for their Xmas dinner. But then the shop shut with no warning.”
He added: “After he took over a year ago all he had in the window was Scotch eggs and pies. I think he has been a very naughty boy.”
Shop landlord Keith Burgoyne, who ran it for decades, flew back from Thailand.
He said: “I knew his energy was cut off and I told him to get in generators. I am very upset.”
The village’s Stag Hotel pub has rallied round, offering meat from their butchers at wholesale prices.
Landlord Steve Harris said: “Customers are just very disappointed by the way it’s been managed.”
Last night, Hallis’ wife said at their Southampton home: “He’s not in.”