Bedford's Goldings to Close After 152 Years

A hardware store in Bedford High Street is to close after 152 years in business.

Goldings, run by Kate Temple and her husband for the last four years, opened in 1867.

The closure was announced on social media, advising customers that competition from the internet and multi-national companies, as well as a lack of footfall in the town, had made it impossible for them to continue trading.

Locals expressed their disappointment and sadness in comments underneath the Facebook post regarding the closure.

 Kate said: "You can walk down the street on a Saturday afternoon without bumping into anyone.

"People are changing their shopping habits, going online and to out-of-town retail parks.

"We haven't taken the decision lightly. We're gutted. Unless a miracle happens, we'll look to close perhaps at the end of next month."

The portfolio holder for town centres and planning at Bedford Borough Council, Henry Vann, said: "I have known Goldings my whole life; growing up in Bedford I remember rushing to the back of the shop as a small child to look at the models - this is really sad news.

"The council continues to work with Bedford Business Improvement District, Explore Bedford and other community partners and businesses to look for new, innovative ways to support our town centre and the array of fantastic independent and other shops we have."

Source : Insight DIY Team

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