An outpouring of sorrow has met the news that a much loved hardware shop has been forced to close.

WD Bishops & Sons is closing after more than 50 years in Crouch End after "much deliberation" by its owners.

The Park Road shop was run by Roger Bishop, who has moved back to Cornwall due to family and health issues.

His son Dan, who worked alongside his father from the age of 16, is to continue to serve the area with his locksmith service.

He told the community on Facebook: "Unfortunately after much deliberation we have decided to close the doors to our shop for good. 

"My Dad has had the shop for over 50 years and has loved being such an integral part of our community. 

"Roger, my Dad, has always spoken so fondly of our tight community and his customers but has sadly had to make the move back to Cornwall due to family and health issues."

Dan told the Ham&High that the shop was only ever rented and that they had made the sad decision not to renew the lease. 

More than 360 people responded to Dan's post, with 91 people commenting. 

Julia Richards-Davies said: "Oh what a shame, a real institution! Thank you for all the years of always having exactly the right widgetybit every time. Best wishes to your family."

Gavin Hudson said: "Sorry to hear that, Dan. You were an utter champ during the pandemic, and helped us out loads with bits and bobs for us at Butternut Bikes." 

Kristie Bishop-downes said: "So sorry to see you go. It’s just not going to be the same without ‘Bishops’ you saved our bacon so many times over the past years. 

"Good luck Dan and send our best to Dad from all at Hornsey Pet and Garden x".

Nadia Smithers noted the changing landscape of Crouch End.

She said: "Sorry to see you go! The shop/restaurant landscape of Crouch End has changed a lot over the years but it was always reassuring to have certain shops continue on amidst those changes.

"Thanks for being a such a useful service for so long. You’ve been around almost as long as I’ve been alive and I’ll remember you. 

"Best wishes for the future and good luck with the locksmith business!"

For information from Dan, email dellis357@yahoo.co.uk