Langley Records closes as Royal Mail takes possession of site after 18-month battle

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A statement from the West Molesey vinyl shop thanked everyone for their support, describing the takeover as a "sad day"

Royal Mail has taken possession of Langley Records in West Molesey, ending the vinyl emporium’s long association with the area.

Geoff Langley, the 80-year-old owner, opened the store at its present Walton Road home in the early 1970s and has operated in the town for more than 50 years.

In February 2015 Royal Mail, which owns the premises and has a neighbouring delivery office, submitted plans to develop the record store.

The application to Elmbridge Borough Council proposed to turn the site into a new customer service point and staff toilets.

After initially being refused by the borough council, Royal Mail gained permission in March to proceed with the application after appealing to the planning inspectorate.

Mr Langley was told to vacate the store by August 31, requiring the removal of tens of thousands of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes.

When the date passed Royal Mail issued a writ for possession, with bailiffs securing the site on Tuesday morning (September 27).

A statement from Langley Records said: “It’s a sad day and a shame we are closing - the shop will be missed.

“We are in the process of trying to sell the stock and hopefully a deal will be done soon.”

The statement said that Geoff is now looking forward to enjoying his retirement.

It added: “Geoff is surprised at all the support he has received since the Royal Mail application and thanks everyone who has been in touch.

“He did not think anyone cared as much as they did, and is very appreciative.”

Sally Hopkins, for Royal Mail, said: “Having received planning consent to create a modern customer service point for our customers in Esher and Molesey, as well as improve facilities for our people who work there, Royal Mail agreed with Mr Langley, through his solicitors, a vacation date of August 31 2016, giving him four months’ notice to vacate the premises.

She added: “I can confirm that Royal Mail took possession of its premises, which are part of our Molesey delivery office, on Tuesday morning (September 27) after we obtained a possession order yesterday from Kingston County Court.

“We have secured the premises and will be issuing a notice to Mr Langley to arrange collection of his possessions.”