F J Martin and Son Colchester now up for sale after closure

Owned by Anthony Martin, 76, the grandson of Fred Martin, F J Martin and Son, in Canterbury Road, had been operating since 1931 up until it closed its doors on August 1.

For Anthony, of Thorpe-le-Soken and better known by residents as ‘Charlie’, it was time to retire, he previously told the Gazette.

Essex and Suffolk Business Sales listed the property which includes a one-bedroom flat for £250,000 freehold on Rightmove.

The listing said: "The ground floor premises retain a useful retail layout and existing fit-out, providing an incoming purchaser with an excellent opportunity to either recommence a similar operation or adapt the premises for a variety of alternative uses."

Now retired - Anthony 'Charlie' Martin (Image: NQ)

The F J Martin and Son bike (Image: NQ)

Subject to planning permissions, a potential owner could transform it into a coffee shop, café, bakery, convenience store, retail shop, takeaway or an off licence, the listing says.

The flat is currently rented and produced an income of £675 per month or £8,100 per year.

It's available leasehold at a £25,000 premium with an rental cost of £12,500 per year.

Fred Martin, F J Martin and Son moved from across the road to 72 Canterbury Road in the 1960s.

Anthony started working at the butchers, aged 16, and has spent the last 60 years of his working life there.

He then took over the business in 1983 from dad Leonard when he retired.

The now retired butcher had had hoped to pass on the business, but there was no interest.