Couple shuts family shop after half a century

A couple who have run a family newsagent for more than half a century are closing their doors for the final time on Saturday.

Charlie and Smitty Ganatra took over Ganatra's News on Hollyfast Road in Coventry in 1972, continuing a business established by their parents.

After 54 years serving the local community, they have decided the time had come to retire.

"Our late parents instilled strong values in us, and we're proud to have carried on their legacy for so many years," said Charlie.

The shop will close permanently on 9 May, and Charlie said it was the customers he would miss most.

"We've been honoured to be part of this community," he added, "it has given us so much".

Smitty said the people who have walked through the door over the past half-century had become "almost like a family".

"All the people come into the store and have a chat with us, because they feel lonely," she said.

The shop has been a true family business and even comes with a little bit of showbiz sparkle.

Charlie's younger brother, actor Nitin Ganatra, who played Masood Ahmed in EastEnders, used to work behind the counter, when their parents were ill.

"Whenever he had a chance, he'd come here to give me a hand, and he hasn't shied away from his roots," said Charlie.

"He'd get up with me at 4am to do the papers."

Customers have spent the last week popping in to say their farewells to the Ganatras.

Patrick Halpin has been a regular for years, buying his copy of the Anglo-Celt newspaper, for news of his roots in Cavan and Monaghan in Ireland.

"He's always been very helpful" he said, "he even signed the final copy he sold me."

Another customer, Teresa Charlton, said she would also miss the shop after first going in to buy sweets when she was at school.

She explained what made the shop so important to the community.

Charlie and his wife "would go above and beyond," she said.

"They will be missed, greatly missed."

While the couple are retiring, they said they both intended to stay active.

"My wife has been the pillar of my strength, she has been by my side through good times and bad times and she demands 200% of my time at the moment," said Charlie.

"So we're going to wind down gradually and then do the things we haven't been able to do as a couple."

A holiday to India, somewhere they have not been for 25 years, is on the cards.

Although Smitty has plans of her own for Charlie.

"Little walks, time in the garden and spending time with the grandchildren."

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