Barnoldswick newsagents retire after nearly 50 years (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Barnoldswick newsagents retire after nearly 50 years

7:00pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in News

A COUPLE who have run a Barnoldswick town centre newsagents for nearly 50 years are retiring.

Fred Nutter, 63, has been at the helm of J Nutter & Son, on Albert Road, for 48 years.

He is thought to be the town’s longest-serving shopkeeper.

Fred took over from his father in 1965, who had operated the shop since the day King George VI died - February 6, 1952.

Fred’s wife, Linda, 61, joined him in 1974, two years after they were married.

“It’s difficult for me,” said Fred. “I still enjoy it even after so long, but there comes a time when you have to finish. It’s the only job I’ve ever done.

“I also delivered papers for the shop from the age of nine, which isn’t allowed these days.”

He said things had changed since he started running the business, which was originally on Rainhall Road and moved to its current premises in 1979.

“When I started there were 13 newsagents in town, and now there are only two proper newsagents,” said Fred.

Linda added: “It’s sad to say goodbye, but we’re looking forward to going on holidays, playing golf and spending time with the grandchildren.”

She agreed there had been a lot of changes over the years, but said: “We have always tried to be traditional in how we provide a service.

“We think we added a nice personal touch to the business. People who used to be paperboys and papergirls now have their own families, and their children are now delivering papers for us.”

Fred said he was going to miss meeting and talking to the people who frequented his shop over the years.

“We’ve been accused of being a tap room, with everybody nattering away all the time,” he said. “We’ve had many a laugh over the years.”

Despite Fred and Linda’s retirement, the shop will continue at the premises as it has been taken over by the town’s other newsagent, Singhs of Gisburn Road.

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