Ironmongers to close 'with sadness' after 87 years

A ironmongers shop which has been a staple of its community for 87 years has announced it will shut for good after Christmas.

Mortens of Ilkley started trading in 1937 and earlier this year was bought by long-serving employee David Jowett and his wife Sharron.

However, posting on Facebook, the couple said the shop would close at the end of the year "with great sadness".

In the post, Mr and Mrs Jowett thanked everyone "who has supported Mortens over the years".

Mr Jowett, who had worked for Mortens since 1980 when he was 16 years old, took over the business with his wife in July.

Speaking to the BBC at the time, the couple said they wanted to retain its high street presence for as long as they could.

But writing on Facebook on Thursday, they said: "When we took over the business, we did so knowing it would be tough with the retail climate as it is today.

"However, we were full of hope and confidence that along with our amazing staff we could make it work.

"Unfortunately, this has proved not to be the case. Too many circumstances outside of our control have collectively contributed to us being unable to continue.

"We realise that this will come as a huge shock to many and Ilkley as a town."

Mortens was founded by Ralph Morten, but during World War Two his wife Barbara took over the running of the business.

In the 1970s the Mortens sold the shop to Brian Senior and Keith Hart - who joined the staff as teenagers - before it was taken over by Mr Senior's son, Stephen.

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