IT’S been a challenging year for businesses across South Cumbria especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis and backlash from the COVID-19 pandemic.

WE’VE compiled a list of 10 businesses that have sadly closed over the last year.

The stored closed on October 14 following a period of consultation.

It comes after the company said it had taken in a ‘number of factors’ when reviewing its 300 stores across the country.

Explaining the closure, an O2 spokesman said: “To ensure we deliver the great service O2 customers expect in a competitive environment, we sometimes need to evaluate how our business operates, including reviewing our store estate.”

READ MORE HERE: National chain to leave Barrow town centre as closure announced

The Mail:

  • Lesley’s Bakery – Ulverston

After trading for 23 years on Cavendish Street, Ulverston, Lesley Smith called time on her bakery due to rising bills and the arrival of Starbucks and Greggs.

The bakery was famed for its meat and potato pie.

Lesley’s daughter-in-law Joanne, who joined the team in 2000, said: “COVID hit us quite bad, we deteriorated from then. Since 2019, business has been slowing down. We reduced hours to three days a week which we hoped would help.

“It was a very hard decision to close.”

READ MORE HERE: Family bakery to close due to rising bills and Greggs drive-thru arrival

The Mail:

  • Furness Park Motor Dealership - Barrow

Alan Stoker founded the business in 1966 when he opened a car sale service and petrol station business in Abbey Road.

However, almost 60 years later, the company was forced to close due to the business moving to a trade-only operation because of the car market changing since the start of the pandemic.

A total of 11 team members were said to be affected.

READ MORE HERE: Jobs at risk as car dealership proposes to close to public

The Mail:

  • Gina Ricci – Windermere

The independent shoe and accessories shop, on Crescent Road in Windermere, closed its doors on October 13 after trading for 20 years.

Owner, Vanda Whitton said: “I am only closing because I am retiring. I want to spend more time at home helping my husband at the farm.

“When my clients found out I was closing they felt absolutely gutted and devastated.

“It is time for younger people to move into it.”

READ MORE HERE: Shop owner set to say goodbye after two decades of trading

The Mail:

  • Speed of Sound Ltd – Barrow

The vehicle customisation shop on Hindpool Road in Barrow closed after 26 years of service this year due to a lack of product availability.

Director Darren McBryde said: “My best memories are dealing with my loyal customers over the years, some of which have become good friends.

“The time has come for change with new job prospects.”

READ MORE HERE: Barrow store closing after 26 years in business

The Mail:

  • Urban Legendz – Ulverston

Owner John Waddington sold adult and children’s clothing and shoes along with skateboarding accessories for over 20 years at his shop on Market Place.

Speaking on the Urban Legendz Facebook Page, he said: “After 42 years, I have made the decision to put myself and my health first.

“I have had customers who have become lifelong friends. I will miss you all and the conversations we have had.”

READ MORE HERE: Town centre shop to close after 20 years

The Mail: Urban Legendz in Ulverston closing down after 20 years

  • Atomic Comica Comics - Barrow

The comic bookshop on Cavendish Street in Barrow shut on July 15 due to rising costs, no footfall and poor overall performance.

Announcing the news on Facebook, the post said: “Well, this is something that I didn’t foresee writing, but unfortunately, it’s true.

“I am sorry to let you all down, but I can not keep your local comic store afloat.”

READ MORE HERE: Barrow town centre shop announces closure amid low footfall and drop in sale

The Mail:

  • Sports Direct - Barrow

The store in Dalton Road closed at the beginning of the year after more than a decade in the town centre.

Paul Hodgson, chairman of Barrow BID, described the closure as ‘disappointing’ for the town centre.

READ MORE HERE: 'Disappointing' - Sadness after sports retailer reportedly closing down

The Mail:

  • Blackshaws Cycles - Barrow 

The bicycle and homeware shop on Duke Street in Barrow was one of the oldest shops in the town having being founded in 1911.

However, the current bike shop owner decided at the start of the year that it was time to retire after a series of unfortunate events.

At the height of its popularity, Blackshaws Cycles was a Raleigh five-star dealer.

READ MORE HERE: One of the oldest shops in Barrow closing down

The Mail:

  • Wilko's - Barrow

The Wilko store on Duke Street was shut in a raft of shops owned by the retailer.

Wilko employed 12,500 staff and ran 400 shops before it hired administrators in August after it came under pressure from weak customer spending and debt.

Jean Whalley said losing the high street branch is ‘terrible’ for the town.

READ MORE HERE: End of an era as Wilko's closes its Barrow store

The Mail: