Independent Ledbury DIY store up for sale

Rodways, a long-standing independent DIY and hardware store in Ledbury, has been put up for sale by its owner.

The founder and owner of the shop, Colin Rodway, is selling up due to ill-health, but said there is a healthy trade and a very long leasehold, so the business is in a prime position to be bought up and carried on.

Mr Rodway said that the right new owner for the business and premises could continue to benefit from the tidy profit and strong good-will the shop has.

"I have a very long lease and I have to pay the rent, £45,000 a year, whether the shop is open or not," he said. "It is a high rent, but in the right criteria for rents elsewhere."

The leasehold not only covers the shop, but also two flats above it and car parking. Mr Rodway has assured locals who use the shop that he will carry on trading until it is sold.

The company has been in business in Ledbury since 1989 and employs four staff, but Mr Rodway started the shop having worked in hardware since 1959, founding it on an exemplary base of expertise.