AN aquatic shop in Clayton-le-Moors that once appeared on national television is to close its doors — leaving its sharks homeless.
Aquascope, which appeared on hit Channel Four series the Bank of Dave, which featured Pendle businessman Dave Fishwickwill shut up shop after more than 50 years in business.
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In a statement released on its Facebook page, the company said: “I regret to inform you Aquascope will be closing down. It has been a pleasure to meet and serve our customers and we would like to thank you for your support and custom over the years.”
Cooper’s Critters, which runs from a jungle-themed party room at the store, in Burnley Road, will remain open , it was also announced.
Aquascope owner Steve Punchard was granted a loan by Dave Fishwick in 2012 to open up a store in Waverledge Street, Great Harwood.
Last December, the company unveiled its new shark tank at its new store in Clayton-le-Moors.
Steve did not wish to comment yesterday, but speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph ahead of the move, Steve said: “Things couldn’t have gone better for us and we are really pleased with our new location.”
Steve’s passion for fish was sparked 22 years ago when he bought his daughter Sarah a goldfish.
After moving on to tropical fish, he set up a business breeding and selling Discus fish, a tropical fish from the Amazon river system, in his brother David’s shed.
He moved into a shop in Derby Street, Clitheroe, and after 10 years’ hard work had built it up to the business had become the largest breeder and supplier of Discus fish in the country.
In 2003, he bought Aquascope and carried out a major refurbishments in the hope it would become a tourist attraction. In 2006, Steve unveiled a 20ft long, six-feet-deep, 65 gallon tanks big enough to hold three black tip reef sharks.
In a statement announcing the store’s closure, he said: “It would be ideal if a buyer can be found for the business so that the Aquascope name and ethos can be carried forward for many years to come.”
Steve will now concentrate on breeding and selling the specialist discus fish, the statement said.
He is working with Begbies Traynor to find a buyer, and regional managing director Paul Stanley said: “The best solution for all concerned would be to find a buyer for the business who can take on the aquatic centre and all its stock.
“If no buyer can be found, we will make every effort to ensure we find the right new home for all Aquascope’s living stock, including the shark.”
East Lancashire "shark" aquarium put on the market
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