Opticians close

Goddard & Rogers Opticians in Endwell Road closed with immediate effect under the direction of the executors following the untimely, sudden death of the proprietor, Mr N Cox.

The Opticians, which opened in 1931, has closed with an impressive ten thousand patients on its books, and George Rogers, who took over the business in 1964, said he is sad to see the demise of the business.

George said: "It is rather sad that after nearly eight years the practice has to close. I took over the practice from Mr B A Goddard in 1964 - who was then in London Road - in1966 we bought the practice in Endwell Road from Mr Phillip Watson who had been here since 1931. In 2002 I sold to Mr Cox, who also had a practice in Romford."

Since then and semi-retired, George, along with son David, who worked at Goddard & Rogers as practice manager, continued to serve the long list of dedicated people, many of whom were life-long patients. With no opportunity to inform patients, save from a notice on the shop window,

George and David have tried to find alternative ways keep the premises open but to no avail.

George said: "Mr Cox died on the 6th April 2009 and we've tried to carry on for a bit, but we've been told by the executors that we have to close. We are not allowed to carry on because we don't own the lease. I'm pleased to take the opportunity to retire now but didn't want to close like this '“ it's terrible."

The general reaction to the closure from local people who have been to the practice and seen the note on the door has been a mixture of regret and concern.

George said: "People have said that they are sad to see we are closing and one long-standing patient asked me what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed go for their glasses now."

He added: "We've always tried to give a personal service and I feel sorry for the patients, we've not had the chance to tell anyone '“ our patient records go back sixty years '“ it's very, very sad."

David, who is married with two children and lives in Bexhill said he isn't sure what the future holds for him or what he will do now and, George thanked him and others for all their support.

George said: "May I take this opportunity in thanking all my patients whom I have seen over many years for their continued support, to my staff for their loyalty, especially David who has worked so hard especially during the last few difficult weeks."