THE long-standing Wellington Cobbler is closing down after 50 years of business in the town.

The owner of the only cobbler shop in town, John Matthews, 65, says he is finally “biting the bullet” and closing the shop amid ongoing health issues.

John said: “I would’ve like to have stayed there; I’m just as sad as anyone else.”

Mr Matthews began the business in Wellington more than 15 years ago, and extended the life of the cobbler trade in the town as he knew it to more than 50 years.

At the beginning of 2024, John had renewed his lease for another two years, expecting to stick out his tenure and retire by 2026.

In August of last year, John fell ill and was in and out of the hospital, occasionally returning to the shop, with temporary support from Wellington local Jan McCool.

John was then diagnosed with vascular disease at the end of last year with no option of surgical treatment, and has since been reliant on his mobility scooter to get around.

He said: “My plan was to see out my lease, but as far as my health is concerned, I’m done with Wellington now; I can really only walk a hundred yards and that’s it.

“I thought it was going to get better, but I’ve just had to bite the bullet and give the business up.”

John’s son and son-in-law are currently helping the cobbler by clearing out the shop on Wellington’s South Street, which John believes will be re-let at the end of his tenancy.

Although the cobbler’s family members all have businesses of their own, John says he still hopes to pass on the mantle to another aspiring tradesman.

He said: “I would have rather it ended naturally and retired when I’d planned. Maybe I’ll still find my miracle cure.”