RADDON Court will close its Latchford site next month after plans to turn the premises into 24 apartments were granted.

The kitchen, bedroom and bathroom showroom in Lower Wash Lane will shut in mid July after Warrington Borough Council’s planning department approved an application to convert the former tannery into six one-bed and 18 two-bed flats last year.

Also previously used as a rubber salvage works, Raddon Court moved to the current site from its nearby familiar home eight years ago having also been based on Tannery Lane and Scotland Road.

Keith Thomson, who set up the business more than 50 years ago, now plans to take retirement following the closure of the business.

He said: "Over the years we have made thousands of kitchens for people all over and the business has made a name for itself.

"It is sad for me because it has been my livelihood for more than 50 years but I have to accept the fact I am getting older and I can't work forever.

"If I had the chance to do it again, I would because I have enjoyed it so much.

"Several people have shown interest in taking the business over in a new premises but the time has come for me to retire."

The 74-year-old said there are now bargains to be had with an extended in-store sale running until July 10.

From July 7 to 11, members of the public will also be able to view remaining stock and materials, with a live auction taking place at 10.30am on Thursday, July 12 in a bid to clear the site.

After its closure, Raddon Court will continue to complete any outstanding projects with redevelopment work due to start in the coming months.

This will take an estimated three years to complete.