A POPULAR ice cream shop started by a mother and her daughter will be shutting after almost four years.
Laura Genders helped open The Surf Shack, on Albion Street, in Cleckheaton, with mum Julie Hayes at the back end of 2019.
With the Covid pandemic coming soon after, by the time the shop was ready to open again, Julie had fallen ill.
The former teacher at Heaton Avenue Primary sadly died months later and the shop has since carried on in her memory.
Laura said: "I was on maternity leave at the time and she wanted to open the shop so we decided to do it together. It was always her dream.
"She wanted it for the community and it was really good.
"We started off thinking we needed to make it work for her but she would not like to see us struggling.
"We have given it all that we have got but now it just needs someone to come in and give it that little bit extra."
Laura hopes a sale can be achieved in the next six-eight weeks following the summer holidays.
A statement on The Surf Shack's Facebook page read: "It comes with the biggest, heaviest heart to say that after almost four years, unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, the time has come for us to sell The Surf Shack.
"We have overcome some of the biggest obstacles thrown our way, some very early on as a new business.
"We have fought to the very end and have tried our absolute hardest.
"This has not been an easy decision, and with having an emotional attachment to it, made the decision even harder.
"We hope that we can find a buyer who will love this place as much as we do, and still provide Cleckheaton with delicious ice creams, cakes, coffees and a good spacious place to have a catch up with friends and family.
"There is so much potential for that place, it just needs someone to take it to the next level. With the upstairs being just as big as the downstairs, the possibilities are endless.
"We will keep you updated on any progress, but for now we would like to thank you all for your custom, kindness and the friendships we have made along the way. You are all truly wonderful and will miss the chats and laughs so much!"
If you are interested in buying The Surf Shack, contact Laura via thesurfshack@hotmail.com
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