TWENTY-FIVE years of flogging it, everything from Toby jugs to hulking great Victorian wardrobes, has come to an end at a major Hereford business.

It will be a bitter-sweet moment for Russell and Gina Smith when the doors close for the last time after 25 years at Hereford Antique Centre in Widemarsh Street this weekend. During that time, furniture, china and bric-a-brac of all kinds have changed hands at the three-storey premises. Once, they even sold an Edwardian piece formerly owned by Herefordshire’s most famous murderer.

The decision to shut up shop was prompted by current work on the city’s new link road between Edgar Street and Commercial Road. The Smiths’ daughter, Virginia Tilby said that Hereford Glass offered to buy the building as its own premises will go as part of work on the city’s new link road from Edgar Street to Commercial Road.

“Closing the antique centre is a pity for Hereford as it’s the only place like it,” said Virginia. She has managed the store for a number of unit-holders who sell their antiques and collectables at the centre. “But the rates are extortionate and every year they’re going up hundreds of pounds more,” said Virginia.

However, she said it would also be a relief for her parents who are now in their 70s. “Mum used to go to auctions in her twenties, she really got into it.” Virginia said her parents used to run a series of milk rounds in and around Hereford before branching into antiques.

While so-called ‘brown’ furniture has gone out of fashion in many areas, trade in Herefordshire remains strong. “With all the farmhouses and cottages in the county, the old furniture goes well,” said Virginia.

Covering three floors of the huge Victorian building, originally a furniture depository, the centre has stocked a mixture of antiques. On the top floor, vintage clothes and shoes, and the other two floors crammed with tables, chairs, chests of drawers, wardrobes, pictures and bric-a-brac.

Richard Collins, who has worked at the centre for more than 25 years, said there had been a variety of pieces on offer. He remembers one in particular.

“We sold the sight from a rifle owned by Major Armstrong, the Hay-on-Wye murderer. It was even inscribed with his name. That’s one I definitely remember!”