Sandy’s music shop to close

The Music Room in Sandy, which sells sheet music, instruments and other musical accessories will close on the week ending Sunday, March 10.

The shop is run by business partners Andy Maycock, Claire Ryan and Barry James.

Andy, who is also a town councillor, said: “With the current economic climate and with Lidl and Aldi selling guitars for £30 and the internet it has seen us off.

“We’ve decided to put a line under it and close the shop and move on.

“All the lessons and community groups will continue. I’m looking for alternative premises.”

Even though the shop sold good quality instruments and products as well as providing advice customers were buying items potential customers are opting for cheap and cheerful products elsewhere, he added.

Andy said: “It’s a great shame. We’ve been in Sandy for four years and we’ve enjoyed being in the High Street. We’ve got some lovely customers.

“I’m terribly upset about it but there’s no point running a business at a loss.”

On The Music Room’s Facebook page Andy, Claire and Barry wrote: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce that The Music Room and Studio is closing down.

“After four years of trading we have to admit defeat and accept that technology, internet sales, lack of local support and cheap instruments in supermarkets have led to this.

“Our clearance sale is now on with up to 60 per cent off some products.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last four years and we hope to see most of you before March 10.”

The Music Room opened in Belfry Court in Sandy in September 2009. It moved to its new premises in the High Street in July 2011.

You will still be able to see Andy at his other business, Sweeeties. He opened the sweet shop in the building next to The Music Room in October last year. He said that the sweet shop is thriving.