A much-loved shoe shop which has seen nearly three generations of families through its doors is set to close.

Hamilton’s in Brampton will close on January 23 after almost 45 years because it is no longer profitable.

It has not been an easy decision for owner Graham Hamilton.

He said: “Hamilton’s Shoes is a family business which started trading in Brampton 1971. It is therefore with deep regret that we have decided to close the shop in January.”

The High Cross Street shop, which prides itself on traditional shoe fitting, is one of five – including others in Hexham, Penrith, Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland – run by Graham and his brother Craig, but it was being subsidised by the other stores.

Despite efforts to turn things around it was no longer viable to keep the doors open.

News of the closure prompted people to show their support on Facebook.

More than 70 people have commented on the page ‘Stop Hamilton’s shoe shop From Closing’ which has 369 likes and has also been shared 25 times.

Louise Lewis wrote: “Hamilton’s Shoes is an institution. Superb service from friendly, helpful and skilled staff.

“I have been a customer for years and wouldn’t take my daughter anywhere else for school shoes when she was little.”

“Please don’t close,” wrote Stephanie Sproat, who also praised the staff as “more knowledgeable and professional than anyone else in the area”.

Debbie Edwards commented: “This shop is fantastic and what a Clarks shoe shop should be – excellent service and proper customer care.

“The Gretna outlet isn’t a patch on the Brampton shop.”

Graham, 57, said he was overwhelmed by the Facebook page and had not expected the volume of positive comments.

He took it as an opportunity to thanks his loyal customers for their custom over the years.

Graham thinks the internet and a Clarks outlet shop at Gretna Gateway have had a big impact on trade in Brampton, but said the reason it has stayed open for so long was a testament to his staff.

“The only reason we’re still in Brampton is because of the staff. The girls are tremendous and you can see by the response what the customers think of them.

“It’s just unfortunate that the turnover has fallen over the past five years.”

Shop manager Michelle Macrae, 48, who has worked at Hamilton’s for 18 years, is one of four staff who will lose her job.

She said: “It’s been great, I’ve loved it. There not much I’ve not liked.

“We’ll be very sad. We’ll miss our jobs and the regular customers, they know who they are, because we’ve built up a rapport with them.”

“It’s going to be a shock when it actually happens,” added Dawn Winthrop, 50, who has worked there for 12 years. “We’ve known about it for a while. We’re kind of prepared but it’s making it real now.”

Tom and Gladys Hamilton opened T Hamilton in 1971. Graham started in 1976, aged 18, and they opened the first branch in Hexham 1981.

Hamilton’s has just relocated its Penrith store to a new premises and Graham hopes customers will pay them a visit.