A long-standing hardware shop in Tilehurst is set to become a convenience store.

The C&G Hardware shop located next to the Co-op at 27 School Road traded for 20 years selling customers a range of homeware, DIY, gardening tools and more.

However, the shop closed this February, following an announcement made to customers in November last year.

The business was run by Corinne and Geffrey Folley. At the time of the announcement, Mr Folley said: “We’ve been part of the village for the last 20 years and it will be very sad to say goodbye to all our customers.

Geffrey Folley, the co-owner of the C&G Hardware store before it closed in February. He retains a model shop in Norcot Road.Geffrey Folley, the co-owner of the C&G Hardware store before it closed in February. He retains a model shop in Norcot Road. (Image: NQ)

“We made the decision to close because we’re coming to the end of our lease and we just aren’t ready to renew it for another 10 years, but it’s going to be sad to say goodbye.

“We took it over when the shop became available but over the last 18 months the trade has been going down, mostly because of online sales and people shopping in bigger brands like Screwfix and Wickes.”

Now the shop is set to be converted into a convenience store.

In preparation for opening, the new occupying business 'Sai Tanks Ltd' has applied to sell alcohol between 7.30am and midnight each day.

To be able to conduct alcohol sales, the company requires a premises licence from Reading Borough Council.

An application for this licence was submitted on Tuesday, September 17.

You can comment on the application by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk. The deadline for responses is Tuesday, October 15.

The Folley couple retain the 'bus and train shed' model shop located at 2a Norcot Road'.