After more than a century serving the people of Dartford - trading throughout two world wars and multiple recessions - Dydes Locks and Tools will close its doors for the final time in the new year.

The Hythe Street business is the latest in a long line of casualties among small independent retailers, with tough conditions forcing the current owner - Colin Bater - to shut up shop.

As one of the town’s most iconic stores, having opened in 1904, Colin’s son Darren is sad to see it finally go.

“You may, or may not be aware of the shop, but it has been an iconic store in the town for a long time,” he said.

“Even today we have those who are in their 70s and 80s, coming in telling stories of their time as an apprentice working in Dartford, using Dydes.”

“As I am sure is quite obvious, the reason for our closure is due to the tough trading conditions for companies like ours.”

“We are not the first, and sadly will not be the last independent shop to close in Dartford for this reason.”

Neither Colin or Darren spend as much time in the store these days, with most of the responsibilty falling to Darren’s brother Glenn.

He has been involved since his family bought the business in 2009.

“The original Dydes family gave the shop its name and then it got passed on to the son,” explained Glenn.

“From what I know the third generation of owners weren’t related to Dydes - they had it for 15 to 20 years - and we took it over in 2009 and have been going since then.”

“I am the only one still here regularly. My brother helps out with accounts but he is moving away next year my dad only comes in once a week.”

In truth, business is at a point where one man is often more than enough to run the store on a daily basis.

While Glenn is grateful to loyal customers who do return, new faces are hard to come by.

“Competing with larger stores that can afford smaller margins and the ever growing usage of the Internet for shopping makes it tough for smaller independent retailers,” he said.

“But we have always been proud of our level of customer service and the lengths we have always been willing to go to for our customers, something the larger stores have often failed with.”

Although the stock levels are shrinking as the final day of business - January 31 - approaches, there is still an impressive selection of hand and power tools, safety footwear, work wear and tool storage.

Under the stewardship of the Baters, Dydes also started offering key cutting, lock fitting and a blade sharpening service.

Glenn is expecting the store’s goods and services to be in high demand come next month’s clearance.

“I am expecting a lot of people to come in January and expect a big sale,” he said.

“We have told a lot of people that the closure is happening and they do want a good sale and a good bargain!”

Nobody has yet expressed an interest in buying the business, but Glenn does have one piece of advice for potential future owners.

“I can’t see anyone wanting to take on a tool shop as one just opened around the corner,” he admitted.

“But if anyone was to take it over I would suggest keeping the name.”

With 111 years of history behind it, who could argue.