By Cheryl Wood

THE LEVEL of rates for shops in St Andrews has been criticised following the closure of another small business.

South Street ironmonger’s J. Wilson & Son, run by the same family for almost 140 years, closed its doors for the last time a fortnight ago.

Douglas Wilson, who owned it with brother John, said spiralling business rates were among several reasons they decided to call it a day.

Other factors included John’s retirement through ill health.

Douglas said it became increasingly difficult to cover the costs of running the shop.

He said, “They keep hiking the rates up and they hike up the price of parking in St Andrews as well, which doesn’t encourage people to come to the town.

“The rates are around £24-25,000 at the moment, with the prospect of them going up yet again,” he said.

“We were having to work all hours. It was too much of a struggle.”

William Sangster, councillor for St Andrews town centre, said, “Certainly the business rates and rent are very high.

“When you look at the figures you wonder how some shops survive.

“Because of the high rates a lot of small family shops have been closing, which is a pity because these shops are part of St Andrews’ attraction.

“We now have one fishmonger, one butcher, one this and one that, whereas we used to have a fair selection.

“Although there are still quite a number, I would hate to see this diminish further.”

He said the closure of J. Wilson & Son would be a big loss to St Andrews.

Douglas admitted closing the doors for the last time was a sad occasion for he and John.

He said, “It is all we have ever known.”

Both brothers were made partners shortly after leaving school and took over the business when their father Harry, who died at the beginning of this year, retired 20 years ago.

The closure also meant having to say farewell to one member of staff who had worked at the ironmonger’s since he left school.

John Hardy, now nearing retirement age, had joined the family firm as a youngster.

Douglas said, “You could count on one hand how many days off sick he had in over 40 years.”

The brothers are to lease out the two units occupied by the shop, and already there is interest in the premises.