Iconic shops to shut after more than 60 years

Sadly, both Valet Stores on Crown Street and G & T Duranczyk on Hope Street have decided to shut their doors.

Valet Stores has been a feature of Hebden Bridge’s high street for more than sixty years under various different owners.

Meanwhile G & T Duranczyk jewellers opened 52 years ago and has been going strong ever since.

Elaine Greenwood, who currently runs Valet Stores with her husband Phil, said: “We’re moving on to pastures new and sadly nobody is taking the business over.

“It’s always hard when things change, but we’re moving into a different time in our lives.”

The Greenwoods have been running the shop for 22 years, first at its Market Street premeses and more recently on Crown Street.

The couple have lived in Hebden Bridge all their lives and are planning to stay in the area despite the closure of their shop.

Gladys Duranczyk, 88, said she decided to shut up shop for a different pace of life.

She started the shop 52 years ago on Market Street, and later moved to Hope Street where she stayed for 26 years.

“Well I’m 88 now and I’ve been working 6 days a week up to this point.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of living in Hebden Bridge but now I just have to take every day as it comes.”

Sadly, Gladys’ daughter who would have taken over the business is unable to, after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Gladys is now moving to Luddendenfoot to be near her family.

Elaine and Phil Greenwood said they’d like to thank their loyal customers for the last 22 years at Valet Stores.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the customers for all their presents and cards of good wishes.”

The Greenwoods said they’d also like to thank the Trades Club fan club. “We didn’t even know we had a fan club!” said Elaine.