A LONG-standing ice cream business which has been part of the community for 94 years has closed down.
Hartley’s Ice Cream, which has shops in Egremont and St Bees and supplies businesses across Cumbria and the Lake District, has announced its shock closure.
The company cited the ‘unseasonal’ summer weather and rising costs as reasons behind the decision to cease trading.
Mark Richardson, owner of Hartley’s Ice Cream at Egremont, which has ceased trading (Image: John Story)
Rumours had been circulating that the famous ice cream makers had closed after its beach shop and café in St Bees had been shut for the last few days.
Posting on social media, Hartley’s Ice Cream said: “It is with great sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce that Hartleys Ice Cream Ltd ceased trading on December 30.
“This has been a very difficult decision but with the nature of the business needing good weather during the summer to see us through the winter and the past three summers being very unseasonal, rising costs across the whole business including energy, supplier costs etc., we feel it is in the best interest of the company at this time.
“We want to thank every single customer that has supported us no matter how big or small, it has meant the world to us.
“If anyone has any unused gift vouchers that are still in date please get in touch and we will sort these for you.
The Hartley’s Egremont shop (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)
“We appreciate the kind words and support that we have received. It means more than you will ever know.”
Hartley’s Ice Cream was established in 1931 by the late Grayson Hartley who had a sawmill in Egremont but fancied doing something else.
He moved into Church Street and started making ice cream. This is where the famous Hartley’s ice cream was still being produced, nearly a century later.
Billy Hartley gradually took over from his father and his name became synonymous with the business. He would sell the ice cream from his motorbike after having a sidecar put on it.
The business was then taken over by Billy’s friend, Les Richardson, who went into partnership with Norman Caulfield, before taking over ownership in his own right, in 1983.
The iconic Hartley’s ice cream van (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)
The sound of the Hartley’s horn was music to the ears of west Cumbrians as the company’s iconic white ice cream vans would arrive on nearby housing estates to sell its famous vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce.
The business was being run by Les’ elder son, Mark and his wife, Shirley, at the time of its closure.