IT is a decade since the closure of a much-loved family store in Warrington.

The Waysiders, based on Horsemarket Street, specialised in glassware and china products in the town centre since 1944.

It closed in 2014.

Owner Martin Hales, from Grappenhall, was the second generation to take over the business after his father, John, and uncle, Tony, began the venture 70 years ago.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian back in 2014, the 61-year-old, said: “The thing I’ll miss the most is the people – it isn’t like having customers, they are genuine friends and some of whom have been coming in for many years.

“I bumped into three women who have burst into tears when they found out we were closing.”

Until the regeneration of Old Market Place in the early 1970s, The Waysiders was initially made up of three stores – dedicated to glassware and china, wool and haberdashery.

Warrington Guardian:

A relocation to one amalgamated store followed, where they joined a popular row of shops including Burtons and H Samuel on Horsemarket Street.

After spending ten months as an executive trainee in retail upon leaving Lymm Grammar School, Martin joined the new store where he spent 35 years working alongside his father.

He added: “It’s been one big happy family really.

“I’ve had the owners of other family-run businesses in the town come in and tell me how much we will be missed. It has been quite emotional.”

Cafe Caruso, the Italian eaterie which was based on Bank Street, moved into the space soon after.

And it is still successfully trading today.