Dysons Fruit and Veg Ltd shop has been based in Commercial Street for 20 years.

But director Ian Dyson said when the lease came up for renewal this year, he decided it was time to go.

He said: "The lease has been terminated and I would like to thank staff and customers for their support over the years.

"The closure is due to a combination of factors: I'm retiring, the rent has increased and the lease has come up for renewal.

"I have had enough now. I've been working since the age of 14."

It is the latest town centre shop to close this year, following closure announcements from Select and Checkout.

And national clothing retailer Ethel Austin went into administration last month, but its Batley store is staying open for now.

All of Dysons staff have been made redundant.

Dysons was once part of a thriving family business chain in the area set up by Ian and his father, with about 20 shops covering areas including Dewsbury, Leeds, Heckmondwike, Shipley and Huddersfield.

Now only two shops remain open – in Armley and Brighouse.

Mr Dyson, who lives in Mirfield, said he had seen dramatic changes in the way people shop during his 50 years in the business.

He said: "It's about changing lifestyles, the way people eat.

"Customers are buying differently now. Twenty years ago you would sell one type of potato. Now we are selling little amounts of different varieties of potatoes. The variety is a good thing, it's just that people don't eat the same any more."

He said the shop had not faced the problem of low sales and pressure from competition, unlike other businesses.

He added: "I think every town can stand one fruit and veg shop."

Andrew Sloman, town centre manager, said: "It's always sad when we lose retailers from Batley. We are hoping the town centre management will help attract new retailers in when the old ones go."

Dysons closes on May 17.