A LONG-STANDING toy shop in Ulverston could be under threat after its owner decided to consider pulling out of town.

Hall's in King Street, could be closed in the coming months and the owners have now decided to invite prospective new businesses to take over the lease.

The shop, which is staffed by five part-time workers, is owned by brother and sister partnership Frances and David Hall, who run a newsagents and cafe at Coniston.

Ms Hall said the shop was bought in the mid-1980s at a time when the area was booming because of local industries, but that other factors such as the availability of toys from superstores had contributed to its current position.

She said a combination of over-commitments meant they may have to consider closing all together, offering the building for sale, or making the shop smaller.

"We have taken on too many commitments and we have to move on," she said.

"It would be a profitable business if someone was running it on their own.

"It would make them a living.

When we opened there was not a toy shop in Ulverston and business was booming in the 80s.

"It's a shame now for Ulverston because it's a lovely town but it never seems to get the profile it should.

"We'll have to keep it going as long as we can but if we do not sell it in the next few months, maybe we might look at it being smaller, or doing something else.

"It is very much up in the air at the moment."

Ian Polkinghorn, of D and M Polkinghorn garage in Brook Street, also confirmed this week that the business was up for sale as a going concern.

Mr Polkinghorn would only say that the garage may be sold but remain as one, but that he

intended to move into another line of work.

Ralph Spours, chairman of Ulverston and District Chamber of Trade, said: "We are hoping that Polkinghorn's will be sold as a business and some interest has already been shown in continuing it as it is now.

"Ulverston is doing quite nicely now and we have seen several new businesses come into town in the last few months.

We only have about half-a-dozen shops available for sale, or let, as compared to a

couple of years ago when we had about 30."