SOUTHEND: One of south Essex's oldest shops is closing blaming loss of business on out-of-town sheds. Kynastons Ironmongers in London Road, Westcliff, has traded since 1906 selling household goods and DIY products.

Chris Endicott, the current owner who has run the shop for the past five years, said: "It's such a shame this shop has to close, especially because it is probably one of the oldest businesses in the town.

"I do have a few regulars, but so many people are going to out-of-town DIY shops there is not enough business for me to keep going. It was a hard decision to come to.

David Miles, regional secretary for the Federation of Small Business in Essex, said: "We have seen a lot of our members suffering, particularly since many councils have now increased car parking charges, which is making more people go to out of town shopping centres."