ONE of Scarborough's longest established music shops, Bernard Dean, in St Nicholas Street, is closing.
Changes are also under way at a second Scarborough music store. Brewsters, in Huntriss Row, is moving to St John's Road.
Owner Kevin Brewster, 38, said the shop was becoming more internet based and no longer needed to be situated on the high stre
et.
The closure of Bernard Dean has triggered concern from headteachers about the availability of musical goods in Scarborough.
St Peter's School headteacher Kate Boyes said: "This is a big blow for Scarborough, especially children. Bernard Dean does so much for children in the area and whenever pupils want an instrument obviously they know where to go. Music shops are now becoming a thing of the past as people are just going to the internet now. I think that is such a shame."
Philip Snowdon, headteacher at Hinderwell School, added: "I am really disappointed to hear that Bernard Dean is closing. Music is a very important aspect of the school curriculum and I have no doubt that some of my pupils use the shop regularly."
The shop - which sells instruments, music sheets, cds and cassettes - is to shut following the retirement of Barrie Dean who took over from his father Bernard in 1959.
Mr Dean, 63, of Station Road, said: "Obviously I will miss being here as I have been here for so long. It is a fascinating business to be in and has been a challenge. We have always been a very busy shop and I have plenty of very loyal customers who have wished me luck and said thank you for the service I have provided."
The shop, opened in 1945, will close next month. It will be replaced by HMFH Interiors, a kitchen and bathroom shop.
Changes are also under way at a second Scarborough music store when Brewsters, in Huntriss Row, moves to St John's Road.
Owner Kevin Brewster, 38, said the shop was becoming more internet based and no longer needed to be situated on the high street.
Mr Brewster, of Burniston's Laurel Close, said: "The internet side of the business is doing a lot better now and we just simply do not need to be on the high street anymore. I will miss being in Huntriss Row as I have made some great friends here and there is always something happening but I am looking forward to new challenges and new experiences in St John's Road."
The shop has been in Huntriss Row for 15 years and before that was the Gough and Davy music shop. It will be reopening on Tuesday (27th March).
