The oldest remaining shop on Cockfosters Road is to close after 80 years of service.

Bowes Hardware has been run by David and Barbara Newport for 33 years, but the store has sold everything needed for DIY and gardening in various guises since Heddon Court Parade first opened in 1936.

Now however the couple, who live in Cheshunt, are calling it a day and are retiring to spend more time with daughter Nicole and grandchildren Elisha, 17, and 13-year-old Aidan.

Mr Newport, 69, said they have had a number of bidders for the store, and hoped whoever took it over would keep selling hardware, but admitted it was out of his hands what would happen after October 15, when they plan to shut the doors for the final time.

He said: “The lease runs out in October, I considered renewing it, but in the end I fancied retirement. We are still trying to sell it as an ongoing concern and have people interested.

“There are people who want to turn it into lots of different things, one person has suggested a doctor’s surgery, but a hardware store is what it has always been.

“I am sad. I have been here 33 years and doing this job 52 years. I would prefer it if the store could carry on with someone, but if it doesn’t then that’s the way it is.

“We have a really good relationship with all our customers, they keep on coming in saying ‘we’re going to miss you’, and that upsets me as well.”

Mrs Newport said she was also sad to be going, saying their retirement had also been partly hurried on by health problems for her husband. She did say, however, she was looking forward to the opportunity for longer holidays and to do work on their bungalow, which she said was in need of some “t.l.c.”

She said: “It’s his baby, but I have been in here over the years helping out, it is a partnership. But I won’t miss it as much as him.”

The couple had previously owned a hardware store on Bowes Road, Arnos Grove, before taking over the Cockfosters premises – but keeping their original name.

Mr Newport said: “I used to call in this shop, I knew the owners, a husband and wife I used to call auntie and uncle. He unfortunately died and she was on her own here.

“One day she said to me ‘David, you’ll have to take the shop over’. And that was it.”

While he couldn’t name a specific favourite moment from his 33 years, Mr Newport said the thing he would miss the most was the day-to-day interaction with his customers, some of whom he has served throughout his time on Cockfosters Road.

He said: “The first thing people knew about it was when we put a notice in the door saying 20 per cent off, I have never done that before. When they see that, they know something is up. I’ve got a closing down sale sign to go up next week, goodness knows what it will be like then.

“People are devastated; they have come here for 30-odd years. I don’t want to sound big headed, but they like the service they get.

“They are more than customers, they are friends.”