THE owners of a much-loved corner shop which has been serving its community for three decades are appealing for a new shopkeeper to take the reins.

Kenneth, known as Mike, and Susan Haakerson have run Shorts Newsagents, in Euclid Street, for the past 10 years but will ring their till for the final time on January 31.

During their decade in the shop Mike has battled oesophageal cancer as well as suffering a heart attack and a blood clot to the brain.

Mike, 60, said: “The shop has kept me going. The support I got from the customers was a brilliant tonic.”

The couple are now retiring but are seeking someone else to take over the business as a newsagents.

Susan, 59, said: “It’s important for this area because we are the only proper corner shop.

“Our customers know us very well and they know each other. Quite often you’ll get a whole group of people chatting away in here. It’s more than just a shop.”

Mike agreed. “It’s the hub of the community,” he said.

As far as the couple know, the building has been used as a shop for at least the past 25 years and provides a valuable service in an age of supermarket chains dominating the market.

Mike said: “It’s a completely different atmosphere.

“Unfortunately these types of shops are endangered now because we can’t compete with the prices the supermarkets can charge.

“I also feel sorry for the suppliers because the supermarkets are driving down the prices they can charge.

“Shops like this are very important for the community. We supply papers for the Civic Offices, we do food for people passing by, we offer lots of services for local people. The customers all want this to stay as a corner shop.

“They’re going to be as sad as us when we leave.”

One regular customer Cristian Starmer, who lives in Moredon but visits the shop regularly when he is working near by.

He said: “They will be a real loss. They are so friendly. I hope a new owner will take it on because this area really needs a shop like this.”

The couple said it will be an emotional final day but are unlikely to miss getting up at 4.30am everyday. They said they are looking forward to spending more time with their four sons, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

For more information about the shop call 01793 534535.