Owner of Essex-based ironmongers blames sheds for demise as it plans to close its door for good next month.
Kynaston's in London Road, Westcliff on Sea has been serving the people of South Essex since 1906 but will close its doors for the last time in the second week of May.

Current owner, Chris Endicott, who took the business over four years ago, cited the loss of custom to bigger DIY chains as the reason for the independent store's closure.

In an interview with the Southend Standard, Mr Endicott said: "So many people are going to out-of-town DIY shops, there is not enough business for me to keep going."

Kynaston's, a member of the British Hardware Federation (BHF) will hold a closing down sale to clear stock before shutting up shop for good.

Mr Endicott thanked Kynaston's regular customers, who "kept it [the shop] going for as long as it has."

Staff will now have to look for alternative employment, while a shop assistant DIY Week spoke to has already found a position at another local DIY store.

Several fellow BHF members, including S&A Supplies, Izod & Burnip Ltd and McGregor Hardware also operate in the surrounding area.