A MUCH-LOVED store which opened in Cockermouth more than 80 years ago is closing.

Firn’s Home Hardware in Station Street was first established in 1939 and has been part of the town centre landscape ever since.

Town mayor Julie Laidlow bought the business eight years ago. She put it up for sale two years ago, but no buyer was found.

“I have absolutely loved being here and I will really miss it.

“This place is a community hub, everyone knows everyone and I’m so grateful to all our loyal customers,” said Julie.

“But we have really struggled. Because we are classed as essential, we had to stay open through lockdown and it’s been tough.

“People were not coming out to shop, they have been shopping online.”

She is appealing to residents to support their local independent shops and ensure the town centre is sustained. “It’s been really enjoyable, but I have to quit while I’m ahead,” she said.

Over the years, Julie has had to cut her staff back from six to three.

She is Cockermouth born and bred and remembers when the store used to expand up much of the street.

“I remember it as going half way up Station Street but over the years it has got less and less,” said Julie.

“Lots of our customers remember George Firn, who opened it in 1939.

“The shop was fortunate to survive once Wilko’s opened. Now we have Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Lidl and simply cannot compete with them.

“It’s just the way things have gone. We started with six staff and now we are down to three — Lorraine Bell, Helen Mackay and Paul Cartmell, who has worked here for many years. They have been excellent and I’m so grateful for their loyalty.”

Julie, who will be working with Cumbria Cerebral Palsy shops, said: “It’s too late for us now, but if people want to keep their High Street then they have to support the local shops. We do not want big names all along Main Street.”

Andrew Marshall is chairman of the town’s Chamber of Trade. “It’s always sad to see any business close, especially one that’s have been around for so long.

“Trading times are very difficult. People have been brilliant about supporting businesses since we reopened, let’s hope that continues.”