A long-running Shrewsbury building company has gone into liquidation after nearly 90 years of service to the town – with the loss of up to 20 jobs.
A. Bertram Edwards Ltd, based in Old Coleham, started in 1919 but was forced to close its doors on Thursday at around 12pm.
An industry website said the firm employed around 25 people, but Charles Beaumont, owner of the company, was unable to comment on the situation.
His wife Louise Beaumont confirmed that the firm had gone into liquidation.
She said: “It has been a very hard week.”
A note has been pinned up on the premises’ gates informing people of the situation.
It said: “As from midday, Thursday, December 18, A. Bertram Edwards Ltd ceased trading.
“Any queries should be addressed to the liquidators, DSI Services, 1 Brassey Road, Old Potts Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 7FA.”
Simon Airey, chairman of the Business Chamber, said he was sorry to hear of the closure.
“We are extremely sorry, they are a long-established company.
“It is very sad when we lose businesses, particularly a long-established one.
“It is a sad indication of the times.”
A spokesperson from fellow Shrewsbury building suppliers, Huws Gray, in Monkmoor, said: “It is very sad as they have been around for about 100 years.
“We heard about it yesterday from a customer who said he had been there and found a note on their gates.
“We think it closed yesterday and we have already had staff coming in and asking us if there are any jobs and customers asking to open accounts with us instead.”
Councillor Alan Townsend, for the Belle Vue ward, said: “It’s very sad to see such a well-established trader no longer part of the town landscape.
“I can remember it as a boy and my father used to go and get all his supplies from there.”
• What are your memories of the firm? Email your comments to csymmons@shrewsbury chronicle.co.uk