A decision has been taken to delay the opening of a bakery on what was initially scheduled to be its first morning.

Chloe Hayward, 23, was expected to open Chloe’s Cakery in Highworth at 9am on Saturday. 

But she explained in a statement online that she must delay the opening due to personal reasons.

Miss Hayward wrote: “I apologise to those who were as excited as I originally was to come in. This is not a decision I have made lightly.”

The opening was going to be attended by North Swindon MP Justin Thomlinson, and she said: “This feels a bit surreal to write, considering how exciting this process should be.”

Speaking to the Adver ahead of the opening, Miss Hayward had expressed her excitement.

She said: “I see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I want this bakery to become a staple on the High Street.

“I want it to be passed down from generation to generation. 

“It means a lot to me that it is a family business and not just a random chain on the high street.”

It was going to be a family affair, with her dad helping her setting up the shop and her grandparents helping with the transformation of the old bookshop on Highworth’s High Street.

She expressed hope she could pass the business on to her children.

Miss Hayward started baking and selling baked goods from her parents' kitchen before the Covid pandemic.

She has continued selling a range of baked goods to order, which customers can request through her social media.

In her statement, Miss Hayward expressed hope for the future, saying: “I am sure after a day or two of brainstorming we will be able to pull together a plan on going forward.

“I look forward to welcoming you all soon.”

She has been contacted for further comment.

The bakery has been set up to take orders for private and corporate buttercream cakes and orders based in the Swindon area. 

More information on the business can be found on the Chloe's Cakery Facebook page.