A FAMILY run business in Cardross is to close its doors after 25 years of trading in the village.

Star News on Main Road was previously run by Mr and Mrs Ali, before their son-in-law Sohail Nasim took over.

The family admit is was a difficult decision to make amid increasingly tough trading conditions.

A spokesperson for the shop said: “A huge heartfelt thank you goes out to all the customers, past and present who have supported this local shop through the years.

“This is especially so over the last few years where the economic climate has been tough on so many people.

“Not many shops have the joy of having customers on monthly accounts or for a select few, whom it suited, on three to six-monthly ones.

“It was not unknown for many a hurried customer to be seen rushing out of the shop clutching a paper or two shouting ‘got a train to catch; will settle tomorrow’ with the ‘debt’ always promptly settled the next day.”

The family look back on their time at the store fondly, and recall many happy memories.

One such memory is that of their 80-year-old paper girl, Mrs Mackie, who refused many attempts to ease her into retirement.

Mrs Ali finally gave up on the retirement conversations after a teary-eyed chat which ended with Mrs Mackie asking why they wanted to take away her “morning joy”.

The spokesperson added: “All these little things have all added up to create a happy and sociable environment in the village.

“This will be greatly missed by the family.

“Their heartfelt thanks goes out to all the people who visited the shop over the years, whether daily or occasionally, not only for their custom, but perhaps even more importantly for their friendship.”