AFTER more than 40 years in business, Martel’s Garden World has shut its doors for the final time – and keen gardeners couldn’t wait to get their hands on a bargain.

The gardening outlet announced its closure in May and its last day of trading was on Saturday.

A spokeswoman said it was regretful and unfortunate that it had to close but it was unavoidable due to factors beyond their control, including increasing costs and an inability to develop the site due to Environment Department regulations.

‘It is an end of an era,’ she said.

‘It’s a very sad day.

‘We’ve had fantastic staff – we will be sad to see them go and wish them all the best for the future.’

The closing down sale saw items reduced by as much as 80% as shoppers arrived to pick up a few bargains.

Customers Harry Bebbington, 59, his wife Pat, 63, and daughter Victoria, 25, were sad to see the centre shut.

‘It’s very sad because it was a family-run company and everywhere else is so generic,’ said Miss Bebbington.

‘Here it’s more personal and you get a good service.’

Mr Bebbington said the family had over the years popped in once or twice a week.

‘We bought our garden chalet here and there’s always something different that you can’t get anywhere else.’

The family were buying Christmas decorations, lights and artificial flowers.

‘Now we will have to go to the UK because there won’t be the choice any more,’ said Miss Bebbington.

Barry Mealing, 62, said although it was sad for customers, the owners would now be able to have a bigger garden.

‘We used to come here to get Christmas trees. Any loss of a facility is regrettable.’