Bosses at a Crowborough timber and building supplies company have declined to comment on claims that it is set to shut.
Crowborough News was contacted today (Wednesday, 14 May) by a customer of Mid-Sussex Timber who said he had been told the branch in Park Road would close in two months’ time. The last two employees would be made redundant, he added.
The customer, Karl Scholten, from Acer Building Services, said: “This is sad news for the local trades and many long standing customers who appreciated the knowledge of the staff and services such as being able to buy cut down plywood etc.”
The Mid-Sussex Timber website says it was established in 1929 by R D Waters and it remains a family business. His sons Tim and Simon then took over in the 1980s and are still active in the business. It is currently between the second and third generations with his Grandson Alex running the day to day business as Managing Director and Granddaughters part of the team.
The first branch to open was East Grinstead in 1929. A second site opened in College Road, Haywards Heath in 1933. In 1966 the site of approx three acres in Forest Row was purchased. This branch is the Head Office and also the main base.
The fourth site is in Park Road, Crowborough and began operating under the Mid-Sussex Timber name in 1994.
Mid-Sussex Timber is a direct importer and one of the largest stockist of timber in Sussex; specialising specifically in softwoods, as well as a wide selection of hardwoods, panel products, doors, and window frames.
Crowborough News contacted the firm to ask if the closure news was true, and if so, what had prompted the decision. But a spokesman said he couldn’t comment.