Two sister hardware stores in the West Country have abruptly closed their doors for the last time this week.
Lanes Home Hardware in Cheddar and Casswells Home Hardware in Midsomer Norton are both part of EE Lane & Son. Diyweek.net understands that EE Lane will go into liquidation on August 14.

Staff at Casswells reportedly left the store on Monday afternoon, having been told earlier that day that the company had gone out of business.

And Lanes has posted a message on its Facebook page which reads: "To all our customers, It is with great regret that we must inform you of the immediate closure of the store. On behalf of all the staff we thank you all for your custom, and wish you all the best."

Lanes can trace its history back to 1879, since when the business has relocated three times as it has expanded and outgrown each of its previous premises. The store sold an extensive range of hardware and electrical products.

Casswells has been a feature in Midsomer Norton's High Street for more than 100 years. It was acquired by the Lanes Group in January 2006 and its offer ranged from DIY to cookshop and a large selection of household appliances.