Bakery closes after more than 55 years

Taylor's the Bakers, on Ripponden Road shut after over 55 years' trading.

A TRADITIONAL bakery which has been in the heart of the Watersheddings community for more than 55 years has closed its doors.

Taylors Bakers, in Ripponden Road, released the news it was shutting down by means of a notice on the shop window and via their Facebook page.

Loyal customers took to social media to express their sadness over the sudden closure which comes as owner David Raynor-Taylor takes up another job.

The notice to residents said: "To all our customers, it is with deep regret and sadness that Taylors Bakers will stop trading on July 30 at 2pm.

"We would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty and support. Thanks, David and Ian."

The business was set up in 1964 by Ian Taylor and taken over by his son David after his retirement.

Resident Patrick O'Neill said: "It is sad to see them close because they are a local shop with more of a personal service.

"The owner and staff were so friendly and helpful and you got that real sense of community just by having them there.

"I live just up the road and was born around the corner from the bakery.

"My parents went there all the time.

"The bakery has been in business for 55 years but sadly could no longer make enough money.

"They were appreciated and liked a lot so it is good to acknowledge their long-running business.

"David did lots of fundraising for charities too.

"It will be missed by a lot of people."

Customers also took to social media to respond to the news, with several wishing the pair all the best for the future.

Michael Frain said: "We are so sad you are ceasing trading. Me and Rachel are going to miss all your beautiful products.

"However we are so proud of you to be able to do the job you are moving onto."

Mr O'Neill said: "They sold really nice home-made food, different types of breads and buns, cakes, pastries, pies. It was not an artisan bakery but it was good traditional locally-made products."

Jackie Meyrick commented: "Sad indeed to see the end of this traditional bakers.

"There's not many left like Taylors Bakers.

"I used to call in with the kids on the way home from school."

Taylors also posted a message of thanks to customers on its Facebook page which said: "Thanks to everyone who has been so kind on the news of the closure of the shop."

It confirmed that David's wife Barbara will continue to produce celebration cakes as she did before the couple bought the shop.

To place an order contact Barbara by emailing her at taylorsbakers@hotmail.co.uk.