ONE of the best known independent names in retail in Ludlow and south Shropshire is to disappear.

Harry Tuffins has been trading in the area for more than 50 years.

The Midcounties Co-operative has agreed to acquire Harry Tuffins, the family-owned supermarket and convenience store chain that has four stores in south Shropshire, and another just over the Welsh border in Knighton.

But the jobs of all 152 employees at Craven Arms, Bishops Castle, Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer stores will be safeguarded along with a further 297 at the other outlets in the 10-strong group.

Midcounties says it is keen to build on the success enjoyed by Harry Tuffins with a key focus on maintaining the strong community associations the independent retailer has built over the past 50 years.

“As a member-owned Society with values of democracy, openness, equality and social responsibility, we believe the fairer way we do business is an excellent match with the family ethos the company has long adhered to,” said Ben Reid, chief executive of Midcounties Co-operative.

“We will, over time, take the opportunity to update the shopping experience but customers and our new colleagues can rest assured we fully appreciate how much this unique group of stores are cherished by their local communities.”

The Delves family, owners of Harry Tuffins believe they have found a buyer to continue the traditions of the business.