A LONG-running dealership has been forced to shut up shop due to mounting economic pressures.
Anderson & Wall, located in Bridgwater, Somerset, is closing after an incredible 107 years in business.
The garage, which has operated since 1918 selling motorbikes and scooters and providing MOT services, shut permanently on January 30.
Richard Humphrey who, alongside his brother, took over Anderson & Wall in 1995, told the BBC that the firm has a long family connection.
His father joined the business after the Second World War, later took it over and then passed it to his two sons.
The company began by selling bicycles before shifting its focus to motorcycles.
Looking back, Humphrey says he feels privileged to have been part of the garage’s history and has many fond memories of his time there.
“It’s the old fashioned stuff that sticks in your mind really – the good old stuff,” he added.
Since announcing the closure online, he has also been touched by the messages he’s received, and by customers getting in touch to share their own memories of the garage.
And while the wider economic climate has made trading increasingly difficult – pointing to rising business rates and the cost-of-living pressures – he also argues that nearby roadworks connected to the Celebration Mile project were “the final straw”.
“The Celebration Mile works cut us off. Nobody could get to us as the road was closed and the only way in was via the bus station,” he added.
“Our footfall dropped from the moment they closed the road, it just became really difficult for us.”
He felt the impact of these factors had “gone too far” and could not be reversed.
In response, Somerset Council said it recognises businesses are facing a difficult period for many reasons that are not unique to Bridgwater.
It adds that it is committed to supporting local businesses and that the Eastover roadworks are intended to make the area more friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.
The council also notes that concerns have been raised about the roadworks and confirms the scheme will be reviewed over the next four months.