Residents and users of The Mustard Seed Bookshop and Café on All Saints Road have been reacting to the news that it is closing at the start of 2025.

At the start of November, Rita Ray owner of The Mustard Seed broke the news that it is closing. Residents were quick to take to Facebook to share their disappointment on the news.

The post had 20 comments. Janet Dowling said: "Very sad to see this go. its had an important role in supporting people in the community."

Robert Harrop said: "Until we get realistic councilors and MPs who don't realise that high rates and high wages and high parking charges all eventually effect the working population then more businesses will have to close.

"They think it is a crime to be an employer but without employers no one would be employed. Wake up government and councillors alike."

Matthew Oshea said: "It's all to do with how people use certain places funding is being cut or reduced being run by the community ain't enough to pay the bills and fund raising is not cost effective all the advertising very sad years ago was so different people were happy."

Sue White said: "Sad news, used by staff and visitors to the hospital. Will certainly be missed." by us there 

Shirley Austin said: "Oh no! This news is very sad."  

Canterbury House Bed&Breakfast Sidmouth said that they were 'Sad to hear this.'

Other users said the news was sad.

The site was awarded the Sidmouth Herald's ‘Café of the Year’ last year but was hit hard by the pandemic and has struggled in the last few years to make ends meet.

Ruth Ray, chair of trustees of the charity Mustard Seed Christian Ministries said: “We have received so much fantastic support from the Sidmouth community, it is very hard to make this decision now.

“As a charity we rely especially on volunteer support not only for our day-to-day operations but for our Board of Trustees as well.

"Sadly, the amount of time needed just to keep up with regulations and the pressures of running a small business means we have struggled to recruit enough people while at the same time battling ever-increasing costs.

"The Trustees are hopeful the charity will find a new way forward in time but for now, we want to say a big thank you to every one of our customers and to all those who have supported us."