Hundreds say goodbye to much-loved pet shop

HUNDREDS of people from across the community have shared their feelings about the closure of long-standing pet shop, Petstown.

After 39 years supporting the town’s pets and their owners, Frances and Barry Franks closed the doors of Petstown for good last month and began a new chapter of their lives – retirement. News of the couple’s retirement and the shop’s closure sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media – with a story by Melksham News reaching over 11,500 people online, attracting hundreds of comments and ‘likes’ across a number of Facebook pages.

Residents who have grown up in the town have shared memories of visiting the shop as a child, whilst others have commented about how the couple’s advice and top-notch customer service will be much missed by the town.

And Barry’s unique sense of humour has not escaped a mention, with many people explaining how they will miss being ‘insulted’ by the town centre stalwart.

Jo Taylor said, “You will be sorely missed. Always welcoming and always made me laugh. Would go out of their way to accommodate you. All the best for the future, enjoy your retirement.”

“Oh no, so sad to see this,” said Caz Horner. “Have a lovely retirement. Thank you for giving me so many little pets over the years from when I was a kid to being an adult with kids of my own from fish, hamsters and rats.”

Lisa Timbrell said, “Enjoy your retirement, you’re very deserving. Much love and best wishes to you! You have created the very best pet shop customers could ask for and I will never find another pet shop as good or as friendly I’m sure. You’re so helpful, kind and just lovely people. You’ll be sadly missed by all.”

Hilary Marson said, “Very sad about this. It’s the only pet shop we have ever used! Barry and his family/staff have always been fantastic, always knowledgeable and prepared to go the extra mile! 

“Where shall I go now to be insulted?! We always had a good laugh with Barry and will miss him terribly! However, I wish them all a very happy, long and well earned retirement. Good luck to you all, we will miss you.”

Lesley Brooker-Smith said, “I am so sad to see you go. You have helped me so much over the years which I appreciate. I don’t think you realise how much you are going to be missed. You all take care and a big thank you from all my pets for you help. I wish you well and every happiness in the future.”

Jo Lynch said, “Thanks for all the advice and good humoured insults over the years. Always a good place to go for pet supplies and a friendly face. Hope you enjoy your retirement. Thank you for everything.”

Kathy Iles said, “Congratulations on running one of the most successful businesses in Melksham. You have been amazing and will be missed. I wonder who will win the window decoration competitions now?

Julia Boyd said, “Oh my word, a Melksham legend. When Joshua was little he loved to go to the pet shop to see “the funny man”. Josh is now 26! Happy retirement guys, you deserve it.”