OUTLINE planning permission has been granted by Somerset Council which will see the eventual demolition of one of Bridgwater's longest standing local businesses.

Elkins Tyres on Horsepond Lane was established in 1966 by Ernie Elkins, who was known as a "legend" by locals.

Since 1983, Ernie's son, Phil Elkins, has been at the helm of the business.

“I don’t want to go, I’ve been here 40 years, it’s been my way of life,” Phil said.

“I’ll help anybody out that I can.”

Despite previous talks of closure, the shop has remained open, and will continue to serve the local community until a developer has been found to take over the site which houses the shop.

The granted outline planning permission would see three houses built on the plot of land currently home to the much-loved Bridgwater tyre shop.

Phil explained that once a developer has bought the site, they can then submit their own plans for their own intentions for the plot - so nothing is set in stone just yet.

Unfortunately, it seems unavoidable that the shop itself will be demolished regardless of the future developer's plans, as the planning application reads: "The existing building is in a very poor state of repair and is slowly deteriorating.

"The walls have many movement cracks and the roof leaks in many areas.

"It is not viable to repair the roof.

"The building would not be considered practical or worthy of conversion due the remedial structural work that would be required."

With no official closing date yet announced for Elkins Tyres, Phil has endeavoured to continue serving Bridgwater as long as the business is creating enough revenue to cover outgoing costs.

Further details of the plans can be viewed by searching the application number 08/23/00243 on the Somerset Council website.