Last updated at 12:41, Friday, 21 September 2012

Maryport's long established Greggains Ltd is to close with the loss of eight jobs.

RETIRING: Norman Greggains will close his Maryport business in December

The Curzon Street garage, which holds the Ford Transit service franchise for West Cumbria, will close on December 7 on the retirement of owner Norman Greggains.

Mr Greggains, 68, said: “Selling the business is not an option because of the state of the market.”

He said staff at the Solway Garage were told about his decision last Friday.

He said: “That is the worst aspect of the closure. We have had such excellent staff here, many of whom have worked for the company for over 10 years. They are so skilled and hard working that I hope they will have no trouble finding other jobs.”

He said he would also be contacting customers and thanked them for their support.

Greggains, one of the oldest businesses in Maryport, has been run by four generations of the same family. It sells vans and commercial vehicles, and does vehicle repairs, testing and maintenance.

The garage, which used to include what is now the Spar filling station and shop, was established 85 years ago but the company was also involved in haulage and quarrying.

Mr Greggains and cousin Peter Greggains operated the business in partnership after taking over from their fathers Frank and George. Peter retired as a partner 15 years ago.

When they opened a food store at their petrol station they were among the first businesses to combine petrol and food sales.

Mr Greggains will continue as trustee with Chrysalis, a charity for people with learning difficulties.

First published at 11:51, Friday, 21 September 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk