Bowman brothers bow out after 39 years

Four brothers who run a village garage shut their workshop doors for the last time this weekend.

After five years of trying to sell Cross Keys garage in Shelfanger, the quartet of Don, Paul, John and Alan Bowman have decided that their retirements cannot be put off any longer.

They thought they had a deal to sell it as a going business but, after an issue over a right of way, the sale collapsed at the eleventh hour.

“We decided we could not wait any longer and we would close,” said Don Bowman. “It’s sad because it means this village will become just a dormitory.”

The Bowmans, whose ages range from 66 to nearly 80, have had the Cross Keys for 39 years since it was originally purchased by two of the brothers. They are now beginning inquiries about using the site for housing.

Mr Bowman said they thought they had secured a sale until Norfolk County Council claimed a right of way over their forecourt.

Full story in this week's Diss Express, out now