Family vow to keep serving town

The family who have overseen Hills Department Store for the last 60 years have vowed to continue to serve the town for years to come through their furniture store.

The Turner family yesterday announced the Market Place store is set to close its doors in the new year.

But the family says it will carry on serving the town, including with the Hills Furnishings furniture business in Bridge Street which is to continue to trade.

A statement issued by the directors, says: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our sister company, ‘Hills Department Store’, has announced the closure of their store in the New Year.

“Our hearts go out to the loss of such an amazing store, it’s truly loyal, caring staff and of course, all of its customers who have supported the family over all the years.

“Here at Hills Furniture Store, we remain totally unaffected by these changes and our business is carrying on as normal.

“We, as a family, decided over 10 years ago to run the Furniture Store and the Department Store as totally independent businesses.

“We will continue to uphold our true family values – a great customer service that only an independent business can offer.

“We look forward to serving you and our town for many years to come.”

Hills Department Store was bought for David Turner and Elizabeth Hall by their dad Fred over 60-years-ago.

David and his siblings Katie Freeman and Emma Allmand of Hills Department Store as well as Elizabeth and her sons Richard and Edward Hall make up the current directors.

Edward and Richard have been responsible for thefurniture store initially set up in May 1994 in St Thomas’s Road. It’s now situated on Bridge Street.