Family shop closes after 50 years

The shop was one of just a handful of independent department stores

A department store in Northamptonshire is closing after 50 years of trading - with the loss of 35 jobs.

The Peter Crisp Department Store in Rushden was originally an ironmongers, opened in 1959 by Peter Crisp.

His wife Rosemary still works part-time, running the department store with her daughter Julia Roberts.

The store which has 15 different departments will be shut for Monday and Tuesday to prepare for a closing down sale which starts on Wednesday.

Mrs Roberts, the joint managing director, said that it was with great sadness that the decision had been reached.

Although the department store will be closing, the Kitchen and Bathroom Design Studio at separate premises in Church Street will continue to trade.