THE Original Factory Shop in Ben Rhydding has announced it will close its doors for the final time on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

A controversial plan to demolish the building on the corner of the A65 and Wheatley Lane and build a drive thru coffee shop in its place was approved in August.

The application has been criticised by many in the area, with over 160 people writing to Bradford Council urging for the plans to be refused and a further 61 people signing a petition against the application, which was submitted by The EG Group Ltd and Burley Developments Ltd.

Although no details have yet been revealed about what chain might be moving onto the site, the EG Group, founded by the billionaire Issa brothers, operate other sites that include Starbucks, Greggs and Krispy Kreme.

In a post on its Facebook page this week, the Original Factory Shop, Ilkley said: "We are sorry to let you know our store will close it's doors on 19th October 2024.

"We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Ilkley."

They added: "We'd love to see you in store one final time to say goodbye."