ONE of Wales's best-known butchers was left "gob-smacked" after receiving a letter from a pair of customers and second home owners that stated "we will not come to your store again". 

Ieuan Edwards of Edwards of Conwy, who supplies major supermarkets across the UK as well village and corner shops across Wales, took to social media after reading the letter from a couple who spend "hundreds of pounds every year" at his shop on Conwy High Street. 

The letter slammed the recent hike in council tax. Council tax in Conwy county has soared by 9.9 per cent - the biggest increase in Wales. 

There is a massively higher council tax premium for second home owners.

A 50 per cent Council Tax Premium for both second homes and long term empty homes has come into force this month.

The couple said they feel "unwanted" and see "no reason to support local businesses." 

The letter, which has been shared on Twitter, said: "Mr Edwards. I just wanted to let you know we have spent hundreds of pounds every year in your shop on your wonderful meat selection, since we purchased our home 20 years ago.

"As a second home owner, your government have chosen to charge us an excess of our council tax. I have written to them several times with my queries and objections but not even had the decency of a reply.

"I have supported local businesses every visit, had local workers doing maintencance on my property but now feel unwanted and see no reason why I should support any local business and will support English companies instead. 

"I am really sorry that we will not come to your store again," the letter added. 

"I know it is depriving me and my family of your wonderful products and we will miss your helpful and friendly staff. I am sorry you will lose the profit from my shopping but I feel so angry at how we have been treated. I cannot give my money to local business again. 

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"I know many other second home owners who feel exactly the same. Perhaps your council might begin to rethink when shops such as yours lose custom.

"Thank you for the excellent service we have received for 20 years. We wish you and your staff the best."

The level of Council Tax Premium on second homes and long term empty homes will double to 100 per cent in 2024. 

Mr Edwards wrote on Twitter on Good Friday (April 7): "Thank you for the responses regarding the letter that I received.I was gob-smacked after reading it! I sell meat I don’t set council tax rates.

"A letter praising me on the one hand but undermining me on the other.

"A weird letter to say the least!"