Era ends as the bulldozers move in on Harbour Motors

Sep 10 2008 by Jamie Smith, Holyhead and Anglesey Mail

Era ends as the bulldozers move in on Harbour Motors

THE owner of a long-running business in Holyhead claims he was forced out because the council wanted to build a car park on the land.

Harbour Motors co-owner Ollie Williams, 61, said: “We didn’t exactly decide to call it a day – the council wanted the land and asked us to relocate, and we agreed to it but they then pulled out. Then, they offered us a pittance for it which we turned down. We had a lot of local support to stay open, and it just dragged on and on.

“They want to build a car park there, and were determined to do it and got it on a compulsory purchase and the rest is history.”

But an Anglesey Council spokesman said the council was keen to see Harbour Motors relocated and every effort was made to find an alternative site for the business. A number were identified but rejected by the owner.

A spokesman said: “A significant figure was tabled by an agent on behalf of Harbour Motors for the council to purchase the building and the business. However, at the time the funding was not available.

“In June this year more European monies became available and therefore the council was able to agree to the agent’s figure and Harbour Motors was purchased by the Anglesey Council on September 1 at the business’ own request.

“Work can now begin which will allow the council to create a new car park to including a link from Victoria Road to Market Street.”

Mr Williams said: “We finished work on Friday, spent Saturday and Sunday clearing it out, handed it over to the council on Monday and on Wednesday it had been knocked down. It was quite emotional. My business partner started the garage up with my late father 32 years ago, and I joined 26 years ago. It’s the end of an era.

“I’m not bitter now, but at the outset I was very angry. We were happy to relocate, but suddenly the valuation officer turned up and said that wouldn’t happen and it all fell through. They were trying to flex their muscles and we tried to stand up against it.

“We are just trying to look forward now. It dragged on for two and a half years or more, so we are glad to have it all sorted in a way now.

“They didn’t waste any time knocking it down, they were getting desperate by the end because of getting it done in time to receive the Objective One funding.

“Thank-you to everyone for their custom, support and friendship over the years.”

Long serving customer of the garage, Jerry McGuire is very disappointed about the closure.

He said: “It is very sad that they have pulled it down. They are well known guys, everyone in Holyhead seems to be talking about them closing. They are very honest lads and have given a service to Holyhead for a long time.”

jamie.smith