Salways of Burnham, which has been trading in the town for nearly 100 years, will close its doors at the end of January, as the owner says "it's just not paying its way" thanks to tough competition and stifling business rates.
Owner Colin Morris, who bought the hardware shop from the Salway family 40 years ago, told DIY Week that he has had to subsidise the business for the past two years and said trading had been hit by a number of factors, including wholesaler closures, parking issues, business rates and fierce competition from the multiples.

Salways of Burnham will close its doors on January 31, with three members of staff, including Mr Morris' brother, losing their jobs.

Mr Morris, who also owns a newsagent, book shop, toy shop and handbag store in the area said: "I bought the ironmongers because I wanted to keep people in the town but, as an individual, you can't compete in this market. We have become a conglomerate society like in America."

Read the full story in the December 11 issue of DIY Week.