A SHOE mender whose shop has been a feature of a shopping parade is hanging up his tools after 35 years in the trade.

Michael Young, 61, opened his shoe repair shop in Hale End Road, Highams Park, in 1971, and after running his business into the new millennium will open up for the last time on Saturday, September 30.

But the shop has been a shoe mender's for even longer than Mr Young's tenure.

The first footwear was lovingly rescued by a cobbler at the address 100 years ago, so the shop's passing marks the end of an era.

Mr Young, 61, of Loughton, said: "The trade has quite a history here, all the way through the 20th century and into the new one.

" I feel quite sad that I am the one responsible for bringing its history to an end but I feel the time is right.

"I really am going to miss working here though.

"The people of Highams Park are wonderful and they have been very supportive over the years.

"I had four shops at one time, but this was the one I always enjoyed the most and decided to keep on."

In the great tradition of the barber's shop, where residents often pop in for an informal chat about life, the universe and everything with the proprietor, people can often be seen sitting in the window of Mr Young's shop, catching up on events and socialising.

He said: "The people who come in are great.

"The shop can be quite a focal point and we get people of all ages, men and women, coming in to chat. Customers feel free to pop in whether it is on business or just for a visit.

"Many things have changed in the area over the years though and, sadly, none for the better.

"The council has made it tough for small businesses like mine with the introduction of parking restrictions, which has prevented a lot of passing trade."

In a business that has changed greatly over his 35 years at the helm, Mr Young has held on to some of the more traditional methods of repair and equipment.

"But he is not about to give up the trade for good.

He said: "I am going to have a little time off and a holiday, but my son runs his own shoe repair shop in Epping so I will be helping him a couple of days each week.

"I will have to keep my hand in after all."