One of the UK’s oldest tackle shops to close

One of the UK’s oldest fishing tackle shops is set to close. Wass’s Fishing Tackle was opened in Colchester, Essex, in 1935.

A statement released by the shop said the decision was taken ‘with great regret’, reports the Essex County Standard. A closing date is to be confirmed.

Previous owner, William Wass (pictured), died aged 81 in 2019 after a short illness. He had taken over from his father, who founded the business 88 years ago.

“This is not an easy decision and we have thought about ways it could be mitigated,” said the statement. “But there are too many obstacles both past and present.

“Due to the lasting effects of the COVID pandemic and the current economic circumstances, trade has become harder and making a profit even more so.

“When he [William] passed away the business just wasn’t the same without him. He was the spirit of Wass’s.”