A prominent Norwich businessman who hanged himself near his home in south Lowestoft had a history of depression, an inquest heard yesterday.

The body of Clive Rowe, who was a founding member of the Norwich Lanes Traders' Association, was found under a footbridge in November last year.

An inquest in Lowestoft heard the body of Mr Rowe, 59, of Monkshood Close, had been found in undergrowth under the bridge by a passer-by.

After noticing he was not at home on the morning of Monday, November 19, his wife had gone searching for him in the local area and had then found a suicide note when she came home.

Suffolk coroner Peter Dean, recording a verdict that Mr Rowe took his own life, said: 'It does appear there was a history of depression that Mr Rowe had suffered on occasions.

'It is clear from the note and the manner in which Mr Rowe was discovered that he did understand the outcome of his actions.'

The inquest heard that Mr Rowe had given no indication of what he had intended to do and the night before he killed himself the father of two had enjoyed a family meal.

Dr Dean said his family was having a 'difficult time' finding reasons for his actions and he said they were very much in his thoughts.

Mr Rowe had helped his wife grow the women's clothes shop Walkers, originally in Norwich's Pottergate and now based in Upper Goat Lane.

As well as being a founding member of the Norwich Lanes Traders' Association, Mr Rowe had been chairman of the group from 2007 to 2009 and had been said to be have been a pioneer in making Norwich Lanes and its independent stores a success.

Mr Rowe had been married for 32 years and he had two children, Mark and Becky.

He was a keen sailor and enjoyed walking and cycling.

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