AN OPTICIAN thought to be the oldest in Huddersfield has moved.

But it has taken them some time – after 111 years on the same site.

Family-run business Beaumont Opticians was established in 1901 on New Street.

But with footfall shifting toward King Street, owners Michael and Angela Stocks made the decision to move the facility to the Kingsgate Centre.

Still operating as a family business – just under a new family – manager Angela Stocks said: “There are a few reasons for this move. Since the building of the Kingsgate Centre the footfall has moved down to King Street.

“And with the £40m extension of the centre, we see everything heading this way.

“It was an extremely hard decision as there was so much history at the other building.

“We loved it there and when we first bought Beaumonts in 1999, we revamped the facade to make it look how it did over 100 years ago.

“We wanted to bring a bit of class and history back to Huddersfield and were awarded a grant towards it because the building was listed.

“It looked ten times better.

“So much so that other shops along New Street followed suit and they restored their facades.

“We have had customers who are now approaching 100-years-old and they are part of the tradition of Beaumont Opticians.

“And I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those patients that have stayed loyal and look forward to welcoming new patients in order that this traditional family opticians can continue into the next century.”

The couple also bought another 100-year-old family business, Nevies in Leeds, where Michael works as an optician.

Angela, who also works as a dispenser at the opticians, continued: “Surprisingly even though Beaumonts has been established for such a long time many residents of Huddersfield do not realise Beaumont Opticians exists.

“We have employed more staff at our new shop and are really excited about it.

“It is a lot more modern at the Kingsgate site and we hope that people will pop in and see our new shop.”