Blow for beautiful little UK city as family-run shop closes after 125 years

A treasured part of Ely's city centre has closed its doors for the final time, as Burrows Newsagent shuts down after an incredible 125 years of family-run service.

The much-loved shop, located in the heart of Cambridgeshire's historic city, served its last customers on April 26. Founded in 1899 by James Frederick Burrows, it has been a cornerstone of the Ely community ever since, passed down through four generations of the Burrows family.

For over a century, Burrows Newsagent was more than just a place to pick up a newspaper. It became a daily part of life for many Ely residents - a hub of local interaction, reliability, and warmth. But now, as owner Jeff Burrows retires, the family business has reached the end of the road.

Speaking to the BBC, Jeff reflected on his time in the shop, "We haven't had to close. This is purely about retirement - and spending more time at the caravan in north Norfolk."

Jeff began working in the shop full-time in 1965, taking over from his father in 1973. His memories stretch back to childhood, when he would collect papers from the 6:40am train. Ever committed to tradition, the shop opened at 5am every day except Christmas and only accepted cash or cheque.

"By the time you've paid the charges, you'd make very little," Jeff explained, referencing the choice not to adopt card payments.

Sadly, Jeff was unable to attend the final day due to illness. But his niece and shop assistant Annabel Reddick, the store's only full-time employee, was there to witness the outpouring of love from the community.

"People were constantly coming in saying 'thank you,' bringing presents and cards," she said.

"We made a point of closing the door at 4pm and blocking it, but we kept getting a flow of customers and visitors."

Burrows Newsagent played a huge role in the lives of Ely's youth, employing around 500 paperboys and papergirls over the decades.

"It taught them to count, responsibility, and commitment," Annabel added.

A week before closing, over 80 former paper deliverers gathered outside the shop to take a group photo, sharing memories and honouring its legacy.

Throughout the years, the shop remained loyal to its roots, sticking to magazines, newspapers, and a modest selection of greeting cards, even as the high street around it evolved.

Annabel's great-grandfather passed the business to her grandfather Percy, then to Jeff, with Annabel stepping in to help in later years.

"It has always been a traditional family business," she told Retail Express.

"My mum worked here until a year before she died, and another member of staff retired about the same time - but even then, he kept coming back to help us."

The decision to close was not one made out of necessity, but as a well-earned rest for Jeff, who has sold the paper round to a national company. In a heartfelt letter to loyal customers, Jeff wrote that the family was "proud and honoured to be part of Ely's history for all these years."

Local tributes poured in, including from Ely Museum, which posted: "Burrows will undoubtedly be missed."

The closure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Ely's history - a small shop with a big heart that will not be forgotten.