Loyal customers of Mailboxes Unlimited in Warwick are crying over the decision of franchise holder Liza Outerbridge to quit the business.

Mrs. Outerbridge took over operation of the store two years ago but the pressures of having a four-month-old baby and a five-year-old, have led her to close doors on the Middle Road, Warwick establishment.

"I would really like to thank my loyal customers,'' she said.

"I had many who were very loyal and who are quite angry with me for closing.'' The business will cease operations on April 28, 2000 and customers with mailboxes there have been offered a year's free rental at Mailboxes Unlimited's Ham ilton locations.

"We made the same offer to customers who were at our Smith's branch when we closed that down,'' said Steve Thompson owner of the two Hamilton stores.

"But most of them stayed with us.'' After five years in the location himself, Mr. Thompson leased the franchise to Ms Outerbridge in 1998.

"I understand her priorities changed and I know the difficulties in running that small operation,'' he said.

Mrs. Outerbridge admitted that running the business was hectic but said: "It was very enjoyable.

"I learned a lot.'' Despite the temptation to be solely a fulltime mother, she said she plans to do the office management for her husband who is an independent plumbing contractor.