A FAMILY bakery has moved to quash rumours that the firm has closed down.

Cordey’s Craft Bakery, which has had a presence in Rossendale for more than 60 years, is refurbishing its main Waterfoot shop.

Director Ryan Cordey said he had set up a new parent company for the bakery as his brother, Anthony, no longer wanted to be involved in the business.

The old company, Rossendale Bakeries Ltd, was dissolved earlier this month after Ryan had set up a new one, Hannjo Ltd.

The firm will continue to trade under the Cordey’s title, with the shop in Bacup Road, Waterfoot, expected to re-open in October.

Its store in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, was closed for one day last week but has since re-opened, while its Bacup shop, in St James’ Square, closed earlier this year.

Mr Cordey, 39, of Wolfenden Green, Waterfoot, said: “I’ve heard all the rumours, including one that I’d left the country with a Thai bride.

“The reality is that we’ve just moved into a new unit in New Hall Hey Business Park in Rawtenstall.

“And we’re just taking some time to re-organise.

“My brother and I have ran the bakery for over 10 years but now it will be me and my mother, Josephine, looking after it.

“The Waterfoot shop is just being re-fitted and will be back open in a fortnight. We’re looking for niches in the market, more artisan breads and wholesale stuff.

“The Bacup shop had to close because another supermarket was opening in the town and it’s more and more difficult for the small traders to survive.”

The bakery was set up by Ryan’s grandmother, Nora, back in the 1950s.