THE doors are set to close on Dartmouth’s last remaining ‘genuine antiques’ emporium.
The loss of Pennyfarthing Antiques in Lower Street on Saturday will be the latest in a line of businesses that have shut up shop in recent months.
Dealers have been operating at the premises for the past 15 years and are believed to have been asked to leave after the landlord has decided to take back possession of the property upon the lease expiring.
Dealer Nick Williams said: ‘I have been receiving emails and many calls and visits from people who are really sad to hear of our closure, some even saying that a visit to our shop is one of the main reasons that they come into Dartmouth.
‘The landlord has decided to take back possession of the property but at the moment are not sure what they are going to do with it.
‘One thing that has been very clear is that people are extremely concerned as to what will happen to the premises after we leave.
‘The biggest fear by far is that it will be a gallery and the next concern is that it may become residential, most likely a second home that may not be used that often.’
Mr Williams said it was sadly the loss of another independent retailer in the town.
In the past few months, Dartmouth has seen the closure of the HSBC bank in Duke Street, the Animals in Distress shop in Foss Street and the National Trust shop on The Quay and a number of other retailers are believed to be reconsidering their trading future in the town.
Hi-tech firm Eltek also moved out of Dartmouth at the end of last year with the loss of around 28 skilled full-time jobs, prompting Business Forum chairman Paul Reach to call for more to be done to attract employment to the town.
He said the town’s Business Improvement District must act to start marketing Dartmouth as a business location.
Pennyfarthing Antiques has sold antique furniture, collectibles, clocks, retro and mid-century items and has been known for its collection of Dartmouth pottery.
Mr Williams said: ‘Along with all the other dealers, I would like to thank all past and present customers for their support and let people know that we are closing as many of our clients have second homes in the town.’
Peter Loxley, whose wife Jo has sold Dartmouth pottery at Pennyfarthing for many years, said it was the loss of Dartmouth’s last remaining true antique dealers.
‘It was a rare haven for collectors,’ he said. ‘The size and shape of the premises and mixture of people had a nice harmony about it.
‘It will be a sad day and another irreplaceable loss to the town.’