One of the most famous old businesses in York is moving just out of town after being bought by a company with even more historic roots.

Stubbs ironmongers, established in 1904 in Lady Peckitt's Yard, York, but trading from the corner of Merchantgate and Fossgate since 1915, has been bought by Manchester-based Till and Whitehead.

If all goes to plan the business, still trading as FR Stubbs, will relocate to Alexander Court, James Street, York, during May.

Till and Whitehead was established in 1876 to supply the Manchester mills and now deals in everything from nails to engineering and builders tools, power tools, protective clothing, security products and ladders.

New businesses have recently been acquired in Bolton and Leeds and the acquisition of the York shop is part of an overall expansion which has been planned for some time.

All the Stubbs staff have been taken on to work at the new site.

David Brown, commercial director for Till and Whitehead, said: "We're expanding somewhat this year. It's an intention we've had for some time but the opportunity had never been there. As we've recently put in our newsletter, you wait for a bus and three come along all at once.

"We want to uphold the good name that Stubbs has had in the York area and continue until the next Millennium hopefully.

"Certainly we want to continue the name and strengthen the business and expand into other product areas."

Bill Stubbs, grandson of the founder, said of the new owners: "We hope and wish them well and thank all our loyal customers for the support and business they have given us over many years. We trust they will see the same friendly service that they have received in the past, from the new owners."

Meanwhile the future of the distinctive building on the corner of Fossgate and Merchantgate has still to be decided.

There has been massive interest in the site but the new owner will not be determined until planning applications for change of use have been submitted.

Alan Black, of Alan Black and Co chartered surveyors and property consultants, agents for the sale, said: "The most likely thing is that the site will be redeveloped as residential flats and there's the possibility of some leisure or restaurant use to the ground floor, but this is speculation."

Updated: 09:02 Thursday, April 05, 2001