A community has reacted with sadness to the news that an iconic Lowestoft department store which has been in the town for nearly 40 years has finally been forced to close.

Godfreys has been a huge part of the town since 1978, when businessman Jim Godfrey started supplying plumbing and heating to the trade.

But the store was taken into administration last month after struggling with retail sales in the current economic climate.

Stuart Morton, insolvency practitioner at Price Bailey LLP - which is acting as the administrators for Godfreys - said: 'While we continue to talk to a number of interested parties, stock levels in the store have dropped significantly and therefore regrettably we closed the store on Friday, September 4 at 3pm.'

That means another 13 workers have now been made redundant, on top of the 24 let go last week.

However Mr Morton said he is 'still optimistic parts of the store can reopen' as it aims to make a future announcement about buyers for parts of the business.

Danny Steel, chairman of Lowestoft Vision business improvement district and a partner at Ganaden Properties in the town, said at the time it went into administration: 'I think it's a great shame and a great pity.

'I think Jim and the family have to be congratulated for the fact they've done all they can to make it a success.

'I know Jim and the family have worked hard to keep the place going and I know it's with a heavy heart they've taken this action.'

What do you think about Godfreys' closure? Write, giving your full contact details to andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk