Cumbria family business announces closure after 96 years

C T Hayton, which specialises in agricultural sales, shared earlier this week that its last day of trading would come on Friday, October 18.

The business now has two main bases in the county, at Sandylands Road in Kendal and at Syke Park in Wigton.

Chris Hayton began trading in 1928 by whilst working from his home at Cark in Cartmel near Grange over Sands.

The branch in Kendal (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesperson from the business said: "It is with deep regret and a heavy heart to have to announce that C T Hayton Ltd will be closing its doors for the final time on Friday.

"We have been a family owned and run business since 1928, proudly serving the farming community in Cumbria and beyond.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful customers, suppliers and our team of fantastic staff for their support over the years.

"Should you have any machines that are eligible for warranty repairs, please contact the respective manufacturer who will be able to assist and advise on the next steps."

C T Hayton sold its first tractor back in the mid-1930s and it has continued to grow as a vital Cumbrian business ever since.

In 2003, they became a two branch company thanks to the opening of a depot at Westward near Wigton.

And, ten years later, a new purpose built depot arrived at the Syke Park site.

Since the news was announced earlier this week, people from the county and far beyond have been expressing their sadness and shock at the loss.

A spokesperson from Classic Tractor Magazine, a national publication, commented: "We have covered the rich history of C T Hayton on several occasions over the years, so we know the background to the business and how highly regarded it has always been in the local area, going back several generations.

"This must have been a very difficult decision made with a heavy heart - whatever the future may hold for the people of C. T. Hayton, we wish [them] all the very best."