ONE of north Norfolk's most historic shops and trading names has disappeared after it ceased operating over the weekend.For more than 125 years Randalls Electrical has served the community of Cromer by providing power, lights, power fittings, vacuum cleaning repairs and telephone extensions.

ONE of north Norfolk's most historic shops and trading names has disappeared after it ceased operating over the weekend.

For more than 125 years Randalls Electrical has served the community of Cromer by providing power, lights, power fittings, vacuum cleaning repairs and telephone extensions.

The business wired up the first house in Cromer with electricity in 1906 and prided itself on offering new technology at the time, including sewing machines and barometers.

But that long link with the resort has come to an end after its premises in Mount Street were locked up and a notice was left saying the owner had taken back the property. Stock was being removed over the weekend.

Randalls Electrical was started in the town in 1881 by Robert Randall at his home and he moved to Mount Street in the 1890s. He died in 1946.

Under the guidance of four of Mr Randall's sons the business reached its heights in the 1950s with four stores in Cromer and one in Sheringham.

Up until the weekend the store was run for the last 11 years by Mr Randall's great-grandson Richard Leeds.

Mr Leeds would not comment on the reasons why the business had ceased trading and had to vacate Mount Street but said he was confident he would restart a similar business elsewhere in Cromer.

Mr Leeds said he hoped he could keep the Randall name in some form if he started operating again.

On the a2znoroflk business website the entry for Randalls Electrical was still available on Saturday.

It read: “Times may have changed, and Randalls Electrical may have passed through four generations, but the one thing you can be certain of is courteous and efficient service.”

In 1997 Mr Leeds was given the business to run by Larry Randall, grandson of its founder, and Mr Randall has now taken back the property after the business ceased trading.

Mr Randall, 77, owns the Mount Street property and faces the task of telling customers that more than 125 years of service to the town has come to a end.

He said: “It is just sad that Randalls Electrical has folded after all these years. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers over the years.”

Any customers who may be affected by the closure of Randalls Electrical can call Mr Randall on 01263 513094 for further information.