A York shop has shut after more than 50 years of trading – after the owner became embroiled in a dispute with the building’s landlords.
Peter’s Footwear Specialists, on Church Lane, is locked and shuttered with some of the stock still visible behind the security grille.
The shop repaired shoes and sold footwear and had been trading in various forms for more than half a century.
A handwritten note on the door says: “Due to unreasonable demands by the landlords I have decided to close the shop.
“Thank you to all my customers over the last 25 years for your valued support.
“Your uncollected repairs can be collected from next door (the watch shop) with your ticket.”
The bailiffs have been in and repossessed the building.
A letter attached to the window from Penham Excel enforcement agents say they have reentered the building.
The letter, addressed to the parent company of Peter’s Footwear Specialists, David Pride Shoes Ltd, says: “Any attempt by you or your agents to enter the premises will result in criminal/civil proceedings being taken against you.”
It adds that the shop owner is required to arrange with their landlord collection of their goods.
“If you do not arrange collection of said goods within 14 days of this notice, the goods will be removed and sold as necessary.”
The letter is dated 10 November, giving the shop owner four more days to collect the items inside, which include shoes, a leather chair and items of clothing.
Long partnership
We have tried to contact the shop owner Peter Bullock to find out what prompted the closure but have not yet heard back.
Speaking on BBC Radio York in 2022, Peter said: “The shop’s been there maybe 50, 60 years. But we’ve been there for 30 years.”
He and his business partner Tony Ellis, a former professional footballer for Rotherham United, took great pride in their craftsmanship and restoration skills. They worked together for 25 years.
Because he liked to sing, Peter is also known as the ‘crooning cobbler’.
The building at number 2 Church Lane which housed Peter’s Footwear Specialists is owned by Pauray Properties Limited, a property company based in Great Queen Street, London.
The company bought the premises in 1966 from Alwyn Ian Ziff and Israel Arnold Ziff. Arnold Ziff was a Leeds-based businessman who, according to Wikipedia,”inherited his father’s shoe company Stylo, and formed property company Town Centre Securities in 1959″.
Number 2 Church Lane was valued in 2015 at £300,000.
