A BASINGSTOKE couple are saying an emotional goodbye to their customers today as their shop closes for good after being open in the town for 40 years.

Sandra and Jim O’Reilly will shut the doors to Basingstoke Service Centre for the final time on Saturday, December 31, after deciding to retire.

The couple, from Basingstoke, first opened the business in 1982 when they bought it from the previous owners.

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Jim had been working at the shop, which was called Edwards Service Centre, since 1978 after leaving the navy.

Sandra said several factors had influenced their decision to close, including the demise of the Top of Town, manufacturing problems and online competition.

She said: “The Top of Town isn’t what it used to be. For a long time, we have had issues with being told they [the council] will regenerate the Top of Town and it doesn’t happen. We are surrounded by  barbers, betting shops and pubs. It’s not a high street.

“People stay in Festival Place. There’s nothing to bring people up here.”

The 62-year-old mother-of-three and grandmother-of-five said it would be an emotional day for her and Jim, as they say goodbye to their loyal customers.

She added: “We have enjoyed it and the highlight has been the customers, a lot have become friends. It’s a friendly set-up. My husband does repairs in people’s homes and I am in the shop. We do repairs more than anything such as vacuum cleaners and electrical appliances and spares for people to repair at home, as well as offering advice.

“Customers were shocked when they found out we’re closing.”

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The couple have also supported young people in Basingstoke through their work experience scheme, seeing many school pupils staying on after.

Sandra, who said the couple have no specific plans for their retirement, thanked customers for their support over the years, adding: “It will be very emotional today. It’s been quite an emotional week.”