Opticians business set to be transferred

FOLLOWING the closure of Bexhill business, Goddard & Rogers Opticians, as reported in last week's Observer, the executors in charge of the estate have announced that the company is in the process of being transferred to Barraclough and Stiles in Western Road.

Mr Malcolm Chambers, accountant and financial advisor of Chambers and Daughter, who are joint executors of the estate of the late Mr Neil Peter Cox who owned the town centre practice, said that regrettably they had no option to close the business.

Mr Chambers said: "We are genuinely sorry about having to close a long standing practice.

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"As joint executors we have acted quickly and in the best interest of all parties, including the patients, the estate, the creditors and the ultimate beneficiaries under the will. Closure of business is never easy, but we had no option but to do so."

He added: " Executors assume personal responsibilities under a will. Therefore, where a business is involved, they need to be satisfied that it is trading legally. Regrettably due to the lack of investment in the Bexhill business and other complications, the practice was showing current trading losses with no immediate prospect of improvement without major investment and business changes. As the assets of the business were frozen on death, the executors had no option but to cease trading temporarily pending the sale of the business or transfer of the customer base to another suitable firm of opticians."

Mr Chambers said the executors have been, "ever mindful of the customers' best interests and the need to act quickly for financial reasons", discussing the transfer of the business with a range of firms before making the decision to agree terms with long established local opticians Barraclough and Stiles who are based in Western Road.

Mr Chambers said: "We are very impressed with Barraclough and Stiles. They are a professional team who operate with the same ethics as Goddard and Rogers. All Goddard and Rogers' former patients can be assured that they will receive the same caring and quality of service as previously given by George and David Rogers and others at the practice."

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He added: "We are deeply sorry for the dedicated staff who must now seek alternative employment and we wish them well and offer whatever assistance we can."

Once all the legalities are finalised, Mr Chambers anticipates Goddard & Rogers customers will shortly receive letters from Barraclough and Stiles ensuring their continued care.

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