THE closure of a long-standing Bridgwater firm has provoked an outpouring of memories from past employees and customers.

Construction firm Henry W Pollard & Sons Ltd, based in Monmouth Street, was founded in 1860 and worked on projects across the south west.

Sadly, after more than 160 years in the business, the firm has now ceased trading.

Following an article published on your Bridgwater Mercury's website last week, we have been inundated with people wishing to share their thoughts and recollections.

Elaine Councill

"So sad to read this news. My husband and I both worked for the firm. Philip for nearly 50 years and myself from leaving college until we had our first child.

"We met whilst both working for Pollards and married in 1976.

"It was a wonderful firm to work for. We have lots of really good memories of the people we worked with especially the two Mr Pollards."

Mandy Byrtt

"I worked on the reception behind the heavy wooden doors on the entrance to the office.

"Enjoyed my time there and a company that wont be forgotten as lots of shops had workmanship by many Pollard tradesmen from apprentices to qualified persons.

"Carnival day was spent boarding all the shop fronts in preparation for the crowds that were expected."

Jacky Parkin

"I worked in a shop in the High Street during the 70s. Pollards used to come around every year on Bridgwater Carnival day to board up all our windows."

Sharron Terrena Eckley

"My husband worked for them. I met him when he came to Chilton school to fix the window. So so sad."

Don Marsh

"I worked for them from 2000 until 2010 .They were a good company."

Sylv Thursfield

"My husband John Thursfield worked there for 43 years it was a good company."

Jan Palmer Toolis

"My sister in law and her husband worked for them for years - Sue Palmer and Michael Buttle."

Jeni Gaylard

"Extremely sad, such a well know and excellent local building firm."

Elaine Williams

"My father did his apprenticeship with them back in the 1950s and worked for them on and off until he retired in the early 2000s, including working on Huey Pollard’s house at Coombe, West Monkton.

"He will be turning in his grave. A Bridgwater institution. So sad."

Paul Andrew Clive Smith

"Worked for them in my apprenticeship years, from August 16, 1977, the day Elvis Presley died, to may 1981. Good times really."