A big clearance sale at a popular garden centre attracted people from across the area as the managers bid a fond farewell to their many loyal customers.

Elm Ridge Garden Centre in Darlington closed its doors for the last time yesterday (Friday, March 31) after it was revealed the land is being sold.

The current tenants of the garden centre and florist, located in the west end of Darlington on Coniscliffe Road, say they think it will remain a garden centre after their departure.

Mark Blake, manager of Elm Ridge told The Northern Echo he and his wife were retiring and looking forward to taking some time and to visit family in Australia.

The Northern Echo: Elm Ridge Garden Centre, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestElm Ridge Garden Centre, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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Mr Blake said: “Today is the final day for the staff, the shop is closing and we’ll be clearing out the garden centre over the next couple of weeks.

“The whole site has been sold. We took over this site in 1990.

“The Blakeways was the original family that started the business just after the war and they took over the site and the big house which is now Elm Ridge Church.

“My wife and my elder brother started working for Gordon Blakeway after we finished school and we were with him from 1972 to 1990, when Gordon retired, we took over from him.

“In our retirement we’re going to catch up on all the things we haven’t been able to do in the last few years. We’ve got family in Australia so we’re planning a visit there, and also touring round the UK.

The Northern Echo: A clearance sale was held today (Friday, March 31). Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestA clearance sale was held today (Friday, March 31). Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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“Because we’d worked here for so long before taking the business over, it was a very seamless takeover, and many people didn’t realise it even happened. It’s unfortunate that our daughters aren’t really interested in taking over the business.

“It’s long hours and hard work so it’s the kind of job that you have to absolutely love to do it, and we have really loved it.

“We’ll miss our loyal customers a great deal. We’ve had loads of well wishes, cards, cakes, it’s been unbelievable really.”

After months of speculation over whether or not the site will become a Sainsbury’s Local, another garden centre, or something different entirely, it’s clear that the people of Darlington will certainly miss Elm Ridge.

The Northern Echo: Elm Ridge Garden Centre, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestElm Ridge Garden Centre, Darlington. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

The Northern Echo: Picture: Sarah Caldecott, NewsquestPicture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)