SOUTH Douglas MHK David Cretney has announced that he will be closing his two shops on Strand Street – Moochers and Supercards.

He called the decision not to renew the leases on both properties a "very difficult" one.

Mr Cretney said he was "most grateful for the loyal customers who have shopped local" over the years and to the staff who he said have become "good friends".

The lease on the Moochers shop - which sells household goods, tools, toiletries and garden items – will run out in January 2013.

The lease on the Supercards shop – which sells stationary, greetings cards and confectionary – runs out in December 2013.

Mr Cretney explained: "We have to come to a decision not to seek to extend them which has been very difficult as I love the shops. 

"I met with the industrial relations officer to make sure I could do everything right by my staff and after Christmas let them know the situation. I did not want to spoil their Christmas by giving bad news.

"They have been given at least 12 months notice of Moochers closing and nearly two years in the case of Supercards which the industrial relations officer felt was much fairer than the norm in such situations.

"In the year between Moochers and Supercards closing a reduced number of staff will still be employed but we will obviously not need the 14 full and part time staff currently employed."

Moochers began life as Moochers Market which was originally on Wellington Street. Mr Cretney managed the market before taking it over in 1985.

After it was sold as a re-development site Mr Cretney opened Supercards at 59 Strand Street and some time later in 1998 opened a high street version of Moochers at 74 Strand Street.

Mr Cretney added that both stores would hold a clearance sale of products but that normal lines would continue to be stocked.

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