Jewellers to close premises after nearly 50 years

Steffans Jewellers has been open in Northampton's town centre since 1976

The owner of jewellery shop has announced its premises in a town will close following his retirement and amid challenging conditions for local retail.

Steffans Jewellers, on Abington Square in Northampton, will begin its closing down sale on 9 November, following 48 years of business in the town.

Owner Steffan Suter founded the jewellers in 1976, aged 24, and after 18 months of trading he was able to take on the unit next door and expand his shop.

Mr Suter said: "I was hoping to make it 50 years in Northampton but the town's retail environment isn't as good as it used to be."

Father and son, Steffan and Wes Suter, are opening a new store in Market Harborough

Mr Suter's son, Wes, who began working in the store aged nine, said the family "tried its best" to support Northampton, but was met with resistance when proposing ideas to make the town's centre more appealing to consumers.

Mr Suter added: "[Suggestions for change] were met with a hard no from [the council,] and that is disappointing."

Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton town centre Business Improvement District, said: "There is huge positivity around the new Market Square and with work due to complete soon on Abington Street and Fish Street, plus the arrival of Stack, the beginnings of a bright new era for Northampton town centre are starting to emerge".

The BBC has contacted West Northamptonshire council for comment.

While the Northampton location will shut its doors, the father and son have recently opened a new branch in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, about 20 miles away.