A COUPLE have pulled the plug on an electrical business after more than 30 years -- blaming falling profits and increased competition.

Ken and Sue Gill, owners of Hopwood Electrical, in Blackburn Road, Accrington, shut up shop for the last time at the weekend.

They had owned the business for five years, but it had been running for more than 30 years when they took it over.

Ken, 43, said they wanted a change of direction and had started a company selling electrical shavers and spare parts for small appliances over the internet from their home in Preston.

He said competition from other electrical shops and the drop in the cost of electrical goods had helped them make the decision.

"Since we opened, five other shops started to do what we did," Ken said. "The Wilkinsons store opening didn't do us any favours either."

He said: "Things coming down in price and customers being taken away by other shops put us in a difficult position."

But he said they had enjoyed the five years of trading in Accrington.

He added: "We have had a very good time and we have made a lot of good friends, but we were due a change." The shop will not be left empty because it has been bought by ladies' designer clothes shop Remy, which is based in another premises in Blackburn Road.

Phil Bond, president of Accrington Chamber of Trade, said: "It sounds as though they are moving on to new pastures and I wish them the best of luck.

"There are still a lot of independent retailers in the town and most of them trade quite successfully.

"This is one of the strengths of Accrington town centre.

"It is good to hear that someone has taken over the premises so quickly."