Crewe shop owners have closed down an 'enjoyable' business after 40 years of trading - following a decision to retire.

South Street News closed its doors for the final time on Thursday 23 February.

The newsagents located opposite Crewe Alex, had been run by Mr Gregory Hulme, 66, and his wife, Mrs Debbie Hulme, 67, since 1983.

South Street News had been run by Mr Gregory Hulme, 66, and his wife, Mrs Debbie Hulme, 67, since 1983 (Ryan Parker).

"I've got a lot of mixed feelings about closing. Part of me is celebrating and part of me is sad," said Mr Hulme.

South Street News had been popular with local residents and Crewe Alexandra players and staff since it opened 40 years ago.

Mr Hulme is sad to let South Street News go, but he believed now was the right time.

The joint-shop owners have received around 40 thank you and happy retirement cards from customers.

"We'e received loads of cards, bottles of wines, boxes of chocolates, restaurant vouchers - we've had so many gifts from fantastic people.

Debbie Hulme and Gregory Hulme have received around 40 thank you and happy retirement cards from customers (Nub News).

"It's amazing really. Its difficult to take compliments because I've never run this shop for those reasons.

"I am looking forward to the future. There will be plenty of chilling out and relaxing."

Mr Hulme found it 'sad' to see the shop empty - usually going to the Cash and Carry to keep the shelves full for 40 years.

South Street News morning newspaper deliveries have now been passed onto another retailer.

Mr Hulme said: "This week I had to totally forget about filling the shop up and just let it all go.

South Street News morning newspaper deliveries have now been passed onto another retailer (Ryan Parker).

"For 40 years, all the shelves and fridges were filled up. It's a sad time closing it up but we are looking forward to the future."

"We have a lot of newspaper delivery customers. They've been passed onto another retailer.

"I feel concerned, because this shop has done the best for them for so many years. Now we're passing it on for someone else to look after.

"People are mostly happy but it's quite a hard one to take."

Gregory Hulme says he will miss his customers and the football fans that came into the shop the most (Ryan Parker).

Mr Hulme says he will miss his customers and the football fans that came into the shop the most.

He added: "We're going to miss loads about this job - mainly the friendly customers and football fans.

"Even now I look back and think if I had the choice I would run this shop for 40 years all over again.

"This job has taken everything. We've never been away from it. It's taken seven days a week for 40 years.

South Street News had been popular with local residents and Crewe Alexandra players and staff since it opened in 1983 (Ryan Parker).

"The days were long but it has been thoroughly enjoyable."

Mr and Mrs Hulme permanently closed South Street News on Thursday 23 February after 40 years in business.

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