Highburton Village Stores to close after 150 years

Feb 13 2009 by Emma Davison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Villagers’ upset as they lose Highburton Village Store after 150 years in business.

Former councillor Mike Greetham said the loss of the shop is a huge blow to the community.

He said: “The news is extremely sad for the people of the village.

“I have tried to run a ‘use it or lose it’ campaign to remind people of its value to the community. Regrettably it failed and so now, tragically, has the Co-op.

“It was a good general store where you could buy anything from starters for fluorescent tubes to flour and baked beans.

“In the last 30 years we will have seen a thriving village with three shops, including a very good butcher, hairdressers and pub pare to the pub alone.

“I want to thank the efforts of all the managers and staff who over all the years who have served our community.

“They have been there through thick and thin bringing cheer and the news to all of us who called in. I only wish more people had done.”

What will become of the building if it is sold is unclear but locals are hoping that someone will step in to save the village’s only shop – perhaps a new community group that will spend money on it to return it to its former glory.

Manager Roger Wilson confirmed that the shop will close but couldn’t confirm what will happen to the building until the committee’s next meeting.

He added: “We were all sickened by the decision. It’s been in the village for a very long time and I think a few people will be sad to see it go.

“It did well in the past but it’s been struggling for some time.

If it hadn’t been for a few loyal people it would have gone a long time ago.”