A BUSINESSMAN who has owned a small town centre sports shop for more than 30 years has told of his emotional struggle as he prepares to shut up shop for the last time. 

Eddie Sharp, 67, from Cark, has decided to call time on his little store, Eddie Sharp Sports, in Upper Brook Street, Ulverston. 

After 33 years of owning the business, Mr Sharp feels he is unable to compete with the much bigger sports shops. 

He said: "I'm sad to have to say goodbye but since shops like JJB and Sports Direct have come along I have noticed a decline in business. 

"I have to thank all the local people who have kept me going for 30 years as well as the people in the clubs and leagues who have supported me - I have met some smashing people through this business.

"I have still got mixed feelings about closing the shop."

Mr Sharp also owns Kendal Trophies in Kendal with his wife, Susan, and will continue to run that business with her. 

He explained that he had been "toying" with the idea of closing Eddie Sharp Sports for a couple of years. 

He said: "I started the business in December 1982 and opened it in Cavendish Street, Ulverston. 

"I then moved to Upper Brook Street about five years ago. 

"When I first started, reps would come round the small sports shops and we would get invited to trade shows in London and see all different kinds of sporting stars. 

"We would also get invited by Adidas and Nike to go to their headquarters but none of that happens anymore - the industry has changed." 

Despite the steady decline in custom, Mr Sharp said that he would miss having a little shop in Ulverston. 

He said: "I have spoken with the owner of Domus in King Street and they have agreed that if anyone in Ulverston wants a trophy engraved then I will pick it up from Domus and drop it off when it's done.

"I had a lot of regular customers in Ulverston and it's thanks to them that I lasted as long as I have."

Eddie Sharp Sports will be closing at the end of February.