A TRADITION stretching back 115 years ended over the weekend when Openshaw's fish wholesalers closed its over-the-counter wholesale and retail operation in Nile Street, Bolton.

The firm, one of the oldest in the town, informed its customers by letter that the popular counter service on the outskirts of the town centre, which is used by fish market retailers and restaurants, as well as members of the public, was to close on Saturday.

The company says it will now provide a delivery service to all customers who have an account.

One restaurant owner, a regular customer at the counter, said he was disappointed by the decision.

He said: "It was a very sudden. I didn't know anything about it until I walked in the other day."

"I like to see the fish I am buying because in my business quality is everything.

"In future I will probably go the Manchester wholesale fish market where at least I can see what I'm spending my money on."

Openshaws was established in 1891 on Bolton Market by Harold and Sam Openshaw and was taken over in 1968 by Peter Kay and again in 2004 by the present owners, The Really Big Fish Group.

The company said in a statement: "H & S Openshaw Limited has made the decision to close its on-site wholesale and retail counter to meet British Retail Consortium (BRC) hygiene standards for a food preparation site.

"Our over-the-counter wholesale and catering customers will continue to be able to buy from us by placing an order with our sales team.

"H & S Openshaw would like to thank its customers for their support during this change."