Popular newsagent to close after 70 years

A WELL-loved community shop is closing after 70 years as a newsagent.

Staff and customers were left distraught when they were told News Express - known as Stars - in Field End Road, Eastcote, would be closing on June 13.

Pam Routledge, who has worked at the shop for 11 years, said: "It was a bit of a shock when we were told. We're all very sad about it and we've already had a few tears from customers. They just can't believe it because it has always been here.

"Even the kids are upset about it. One little girl almost burst into tears when we told her."

The Midcounties Co-operative bought the shop two years ago with the intention of selling because it was not making enough money and the lease had finished.

The customers gathered about 1,500 signatures on a petition requesting that it remained as a newsagent, but, the Co-op have been unable to find a buyer and have therefore taken the decision to close it.

The shop, which was called Stars for 22 years before the name was changed to News Express this year, has been open for about 70 years as a newsagent.

Ava Scuderi, who has been the manager of the shop for 21 years, said: "There's been a lot of interest in the shop but none of the sales went through and the Co-op didn't want to renew the lease for another five years on a shop that is losing money, although only slightly.

"I think all the empty shops in Eastcote has stopped a lot of people from coming here.

"The rents are going up all the time so unless you own the building you are working from it's getting harder and harder.

"We just want to thank all our customers for their support over the years. Hopefully they have enjoyed our company as much as we have enjoyed theirs."

Ava has written a poem dedicated to the customers:

The End of an Era

I've written this verse
Just to let you know
That we'll miss you all
And we're sorry to go.

We've seen children grow up and have babies of their own,
While others have aged or departed.
We've shared happiness and tears in our numerous years
Serving people who are mostly kind-hearted.

There's the happy, the sad, the good and the bad,
The jokers who make us all roar,
Those who come here for a sympathetic ear
And others who give us what for!

I'd love to lost you all by name
And give each a special mention
But if I start, when will I stop?
I'll be drawing my old-age pension!

So please accept these heartfelt thanks
From all of us to all of you.
We couldn't wish for better customers -
Well, maybe one or two!!

13th of June 2009 is a date we won't forget.
It's end end of an era, a sign of the times, another shop up for let.
And, as you pass by, on foot or in cars
Will you fondly remember us as STARS?