A family-run DIY store and builders' merchants, which traded for more than half a century, has closed its doors for the last time.

The Handyman Centre in Tewkesbury had been open for 51 years but - in a message to customers - revealed it had been struggling financially for a long time.

After permanently closing the business, which is on the edge of the town centre and has a floor space of 604 sq m, its bosses left a message for their customers on display by the main entrance.

The note from owners Timber & Hardware Supplies Ltd, which traded as Handyman Centre on Bredon Road, said: "We are deeply sorry to say that we have closed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"We have found trading very difficult for a number of years and can no longer continue. We have tried a number of ways to save the business to no avail.

"We have loved the 51 years that we have been here and will bitterly miss the friends we have truly made, and the times spent with you."

The future use of the large site, which was seriously flooded in 2007, is uncertain.

A planning application from the company's Andrew Reeve last year sought permission from Tewkesbury Borough Council to subdivide the premises, so an additional unit could be used as a car wash. The plans, which have yet to be determined by the authority, also included creating a new highway access and installing a new drainage system.

Mr Reeve from Stroud is listed on the Companies House website as being one of two active directors of Timber & Hardware Supplies (Tewkesbury) Ltd. The other is Claire Lane, of Earls Croome in Worcestershire. The status of the company is listed as being active.

An opportunity to base a new business, which is just a two-minute walk away from Tewkesbury High Street might now exist.

The site is immediately next to a Shell garage and around 100 metres from Travis Perkins, which is on the same side of Bredon Road.

Mark Owen, editor and owner of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "It's always sad to see another family business close. That unique local knowledge is lost forever, along with friendly neighbourly banter.

"I used to pop in delivering magazines and everyone was always very kind and friendly. We wish the owners and staff all our best wishes and I hope they can rest up and don't feel too bereft at their loss. It's tough losing something that you have put your heart and soul into for so long."

The DIY and builders' merchant market is a challenging one, with even the big players struggling. B&Q saw a 11.6% fall in sales of big ticket items in the six months to July 31, 2024, while Screwfix saw sales increase 1.2% over the same period. Adjusted profit before tax at Wickes for the year to December 28, 2024 was £43.6m, down from £52m the previous year. And profits fell by a third in the first half of 2024 for Travis Perkins.