A FAMILY business have reassured customers that it remains open following confusion after the closure of Jones Bootmaker in their former building.

Jones Bootmaker is closing their branch in Worcester, which is often known as ‘Elts' due to the shop sign remaining when the Elt's family sold the shop in The Shambles.

Further along the road, Robin Elt Shoes also has a shop and owner Robin Elt has moved to reassure customers that his shop remains open.

Mr Elt said: "Jones Bootmaker are closing their branches in Hereford and Worcester, which were often known as ‘Elts’.

"This has led to considerable confusion.

"Robin Elt Shoes continues to trade. The ‘original’ family Heritage, is an independent, stand alone company.

"Robin and Jenny Elt, the fourth and fifth generation of the Elt family, wish to reassure the people of Hereford, Worcester and beyond that our shoe business continues unabated.

"We are happy to welcome all customers into our stores to sample our large range of International ladies and men’s quality brands, including iconic English brands such as Barker, Cheaney, and Van Dal.

"This Autumn we are celebrating 145 years - now the fifth generation of the Elt family in footwear."

Despite his family's history with the Elts building used by Jones Bootmaker, Mr Elt said he had no plans to buy it back as he feels the building would require a lot of work and money to be fit for purpose.

The shoe dynasty was founded by Albert Elt in 1872 and they moved into the shop in The Shambles in 1934.

Worcester’s most famous son, composer Sir Edward Elgar and his wife Alice were among Elt patrons in times past.

Jones Bootmaker decided to close its store after it was bought by private equity firm Endless.

No planning applications have been submitted for the site, which would be needed if there was to be a change of use.