THE owner of a 40-year-old home appliance repair business in Thornbury has expressed fears for its future amid plans of retirement.

Melvyn Green, 69, who runs The Vac Centre on The Plain in Thornbury, has appealed to the community to help find someone to take the reins of the business as he looks to retire.

The company, which was originally called Green and Burton, was set up in Thornbury in 1974, after Melvyn went self-employed, repairing appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines and dishwashers.

As well as the repair service, another main part of the business is the sale of spare parts for members of the public to fix things themselves.

But following a bout of bad health, Melvyn has considered retirement, but feels the business still has a lot to offer its clients, who come from as far as Gloucester and Bristol.

“I’d like to see the business keep going, we have put up with a lot over the last 40 years,” he said.

“But, unfortunately it is likely that I will have to close the business unless someone else comes forward to take over.

“I will keep it going as long as I can on my own.

“I would even be happy to stay on to help and work alongside the new owners to make sure it runs well.”

As well as the repair service, another main part of the business is the sale of spare parts for members of the public to fix things themselves.

Melvyn said: “It is much easier nowadays to get items online, but you might not always get the right part you need and there isn’t always the customer service and professional advice online that you get from a face-to-face sale.

“If we can keep The Vac Centre going, I think it would mean a lot to the community. There is no one else today to keep businesses like this open, and we offer a service that not many offer these days."