One of Bridgwater's oldest stores to close its doors for the final time

Lane-Hammett's Stationers on George Street can trace its origins back to 1834 when John Whitby opened his first shop in the centre of Bridgwater.

Whitbby, Light and Lane was formed by the combination of three town centre businesses in the early 1900's and subsequently Lane & Co was set up as a separate trading division.

The current propietors of the business Caroline and Andrew Lane, bought the business in 1986 and formed Lane-Hammett Stationers after acquiring the commercial stationary division of Hammett & Co in Taunton.

The Bridgwater shop will close on July 9 with the owners citing retirement and a dramatic drop in retail footfall as the amin reasons for closure.

Mr Bradbury said that the decline in footfall was quite sudden and coincided with the start of the roadworks in January 2015.

He also said that there was no help from the local authority and the valuation office refused to help with a temporary reduction in business rates.

"The general consensus in the town seemed to be that, with difficulty accessing the town centre, shopperrs had chosen to go elsewhere and many had never returned to shop in Bridgwater," Mr Bradbury said.

"Many small businesses are struggling in the town with some facing the possibility of imminent closure. Rossiters, the jewellers, closed its doors in April.

"A number of factors affect the viability of a retail business, not least of which is the rating system.

"We have the on-going situation in Bridgwater where business rates for a property can be higher than the commerically achievable rent."

Mr Bradbury said the indecision over Hinkley and the development of an out of town shopping centre are also factors that affect the retail environment in the centre of Bridgwater.

Lane-Hammett has another shop in Taunton which will remain open until the end of September.

The Bradburys have fond memories of the business and would like to thank loyal customers for their support over the past thirty years.