A LEGENDARY family-run DIY store is closing its doors for the final time after 65 years of serving the community.
Browns of Leigh DIY has become the latest victim of the high street crisis, with its heartbroken owners admitting they can no longer fight against a tide of rising taxes and bills.
The iconic shop on Leigh Road in Greater Manchester has been a town centre staple since the 1950s, selling everything from heavy-duty garden gates and bathroom units to individual screws and tins of paint.
But the bosses at the cherished hardware hub say they have reached a breaking point where they simply cannot “absorb” any more financial hits.
Announcing its closure on Facebook, the post read: “This is a very sad moment for us, but after 65 years in business we have decided to close.
“We can no longer absorb increasing business rates, national insurance rises and energy hikes – there comes a point where it’s time to throw the towel in.
“We would like to thank all our customers who have supported us over the years – without you we wouldn’t have lasted this long.”
News of the closure has sparked an outpouring of grief from residents who described the shop as a “pillar” of the town.
Many locals expressed their anger at the current economic climate, claiming that the “community spirit” is being ripped out of British towns as independent traders are forced to the wall.
In the meantime, shoppers have been urged to head down to the store one last time to help clear remaining stock, with the owners promising that no reasonable offer will be refused as they prepare to wind down.
A final closing date has not yet been confirmed, but the shelves are expected to empty quickly.
Discounts of up to 50% are currently available across most stock.
