A BUSINESS that stood the test of time in Chepstow has moved into where it all began almost five decades ago.

Electrical goods shop SER Beard, which shut earlier this year, is now in what was its neighbouring premises, Herbert Lewis.

The shop that closed, 12 High Street, was purchased by Samuel Edgar Ralph from Ethel Lewis, of the department store, back in the Thirties.

At that time it was the china department.

The business has been taken over by Mr Ralph’s grandson, Ian Beard.

He helped to run it for many years with his father, John, until he decided to call it a day and retire in 2013.

Ian Beard was going to restart the business from home, but has since decided that going back to its roots was a nice move.

He said: “Herbert Lewis has recently opened a menswear department too, and it’s great to see this diversity in the store as the last few years have been tough for high streets throughout the country, with higher rents and rates and lower footfall, combined with the rise in internet shopping.

“Certainly I am very glad of the opportunity to continue with lower overheads, rather than trying to run a shop with staff in a tougher retail climate, and there’s a bit of a buzz now with talks of a recovery and more shoppers about.

“I also think people appreciate the personal service that our businesses offer, with free delivery and TV installation as an example.”