A Liverpool city region bookshop that has been open for 124 years has closed its doors for good in a decision that has shocked local customers. Andrew Brown reports

Southport residents have spoken of their devastation after news of the sudden closure of the iconic Broadhurst’s bookshop in Southport was announced tonight.

Broadhurst’s has been trading at 5-7 Market Street since it was opened by Charles Kenyon Broadhurst in 1920. Some called for something to be done for such a substantial part of Southport’s heritage to be saved.

Located in the town centre, the outlet has been owned by Laurie Hardman, who died earlier this year after 55 years in post. Mr Hardman began working at the shop  in 1969.

Loved by many, the shop was famous for stocking more than 1m new and second hand books, booksellers wrapping up books with brown paper and string, a roaring log fire and armchair, a superb children’s section, and historic and rare titles going back centuries.

Speaking in the Stand Up For Southport Facebook group, OmNom Zero Waste said: “That is devastating. Can the community not save it?”

Joanne Mirzoeff said: “This is devastating and a huge loss to the town and all its devoted customers. I’ve been going here for 40 years and knew Laurie well. I was there only last week. Am sure the current staff could have taken over.”

Jo-Anne Lewis said: “That’s so sad, I loved buying from there and how they would wrap the books up with brown paper and string.”

Susan Marie Parry said: “Oh no, such happy memories of this little shop! Brown paper packages tied up with string, these were my favourite things. Christmas time with my two girls, a large open fire and lovely shop assistants.

Sandra Summer said: “I loved getting my books from here as a child. It’s very sad that it’s closing.”

Donna Rae said: “Nooooooo  my favourite book shop. So sad.”

A statement posted by Broadhurst’s bookshop said: “We are incredibly sad to announce the permanent closure of Broadhursts. All the booksellers have been made redundant, and the shop will no longer open for trading with immediate effect.”

To claim refunds on deposits and Broadhursts vouchers please email litereria@aol.com

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Broadhurst’s was one of the oldest second-hand and antiquarian bookshops in the country, having been established in 1920 by Charles Kenyon Broadhurst. It traded continuously on four floors of its listed mid-19th century building.

It offered a comprehensive range of books suitable for all ages, interests and pockets. The ground floor housed an extensive stock of fiction and non-fiction in paper and hardback editions for adults. Upstairs were:

• An extensive children’s book department.
• Two rare book rooms specialising in 19th and 20th century literature, modern first editions, private press books and a wide and interesting selection of antiquarian titles.
• Eight second-hand book rooms containing upwards of 50,000 titles on all subjects.
• A varied selection of 18th, 19th & 20th century prints and maps.
• Bookbinding and restoration service.
• School supplies.

This article first appeared in Stand Up For Southport