SIX former Eccleston stores are set to reopen by the end of the month.

Gerrard Confectioners North Wales Ltd will re-open six shops – all formerly owned by Eccleston Confectioners which closed in August.

The soon to be refurbished shops will open in Corwen, Bala, Llangollen, Chirk, Gresford and Park Avenue, Wrexham.

Eccleston’s suddenly closed all its shops and bakery in the summer, after the announcement that the firm’s owner David Eccleston would be retiring.

A dozen full-time and 30 part time staff were made redundant from the family business, set up in 1898.

But now, three months later, the shops will be given a new lease of life as well as a new sign over the door.

“We are hoping for the first shops to be opened on Monday, November 29,” said Dawn Van Rensburg, director of Gerrard’s.

“The shops will be newly fitted so that all our Gerrard’s shops look the same.

“The shop fitters will be going in this weekend and the beginning of next week, to fit in the counters.

It is planned that four shops will be opened first - Corwen, Llangollen, Bala and Gresford, the rest will follow in quick succession.

“It is hoped we can offer those who worked at these shops their jobs back,” added Mrs Van Rensburg.

Mrs Van Rensburg said herself and her husband, Dirk, wanted to carry on the family name and also to expand the business.

“It is wonderful to see our posters now on the shop windows,” she said.

“Eccleston was also a family business, like we are, it was sad to see it going.

“They had the right type of customers, ones they want too, people who want local - good food.

“Our products are sourced locally.

“That is what people want local food and to see a local choice.”

Gerrards has been a family run since it first opened in 1838, Mrs Van Rensburg, who worked in the bakery and shops growing up, is the sixth generation of the family to run the business.

Former Eccelston employees are asked to contact Gerrards head office on 01978 352001.