Gosport hardware shop to close after 25 years - but owner is moving on with driving school offer

Essentials Hardware, in Gregson Avenue, Bridgemary, is due to close on April 5 after 25 years trading.

The business, which opened in 1995, was set up by Simon Stevenson and sells a huge range of products, such as plumbing, electrical, paints and decorating goods.

However, business has been tough, and the past year has proved difficult, so Simon has to call time so he can focus on his driving school business instead.

He said: ‘Just two weeks until we close for good. We now have 50 per cent off of everything in store and lots of lines with even more off.’

Simon said that while he is sad to see the shop go, he felt it was the right time to move on.

He plans to put all his energy into his driving school, Life Skills Driving School, and he is looking to launch back into work after lockdown with a giveaway.

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He said: ‘I'm offering 10 lessons for free and then reduced price lessons for one person each year that otherwise may not have been able to afford lessons due to their financial situation.

‘Someone, maybe who is a carer for a family member or has special needs and without a licence couldn't do their job but it is financially impossible for them to take on lessons.

‘It will be a nice thing to do, to give something back.’

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A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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