THE owner of a Bridgwater repair business which is closing after more than 40 years has blamed its demise on the culture of buying new rather than fixing.

White goods repair firm, B L Bontoft, in Eastover, will stop trading on February 19.

The business has been based in St John Street for the last 34 years, but owner Timothy Jones said the lease was up and it was not viable to renew it.

He said: “People just don’t want things repaired like they used to and they buy new. Machines only last two to three years now, before it used to be 10 to 15. It costs about £100 to repair, and from £200 to £250 to fix.

“Also, the internet is also offering a lot of the spare parts and trade in the town is also suffering, with many people shopping in Taunton.

“It had been on the books for a couple of years and there comes a time when you say ‘enough is enough,’ unfortunately.”

He thanked employer Melvyn Alford, who had worked with him for 12 years.

He said: “We have got a good relationship and have known each other for years. I’ll be sad to let him go; he’s been very conscientious and reliable.”

Mr Jones will now go onto work part time with his son, in his gardening business, while he looks for full time employment.