MINEHEAD’S Tony Pryce Sports store is closing down after 40 years of trading in the town.

In October, Minehead had two sports retailers, but with Minehead Sports shutting its doors in November and Tony Pryce set to do the same at the end of April, the town will be suddenly left without a specialist store to purchase sports clothing and equipment.

Adrian Giblett, director of Tony Pryce Sports, explained the lease on the current store in The Avenue was due to expire and the company was not looking to renew the lease nor seek new premises for a store within the town.

Mr Giblett said: “It is a real shame as we have been trading in Minehead since 1978. 
“We have already had a lot of nice feedback from customers who say they will be sorry to see us go.
“The stores in Newton Abbott and Wells are in a similar predicament. "We do not have a set closing date just yet as negotiations are still ongoing but it looks likely to be around April 23.
“We have been really pleased to have been an active part of the community over the years and have enjoyed working with the local schools and sports clubs providing uniform and kits.
“I would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty over the years.”

Minehead Sports, which was based further along The Avenue, closed in November after 20 years of trading and, with Tony Pryce’s announcement, it means the nearest specialist sports shop will be in Taunton.

Chairman of Minehead Chamber of Commerce Graham Sizer said: “Tony Pryce has been part of the High Street in Minehead for years and it will be sad to see it go. 

“Anyone who knows the family has been touched by their generous willingness to get involved with any emerging sports clubs and groups over the years. 

“From being blessed with two sports shops, regrettably, we now have none.”

Tony Pryce Sports still has a number of stores open across the South West including one in Taunton, and has its distribution centre based at the Vennland Centre in Minehead.