After a long-established builders’ merchant closed down, efforts have been made to preserve “the great history of the business”.

Chas Lowe & Sons Builders’ Merchants on London Road in Knebworth was established in the 1950s by Charles Lowe.

Born and bred in Knebworth, Mr Lowe spent his entire life in the village and was well-known within the building industry in Hertfordshire.

In 2008, he died suddenly after suffering a heart attack at work.

His business continued with Mr Lowe’s sons, Peter and Kevin, at the helm and it has been a well-known and well-respected independent business.

Earlier this year, the brothers decided to cease trading and agreed to sell the assets of the business to builders’ merchants Gibbs & Dandy, who opened a branch on Gunnels Wood Park in Stevenage last month.

Peter Lowe said: “I have every confidence this is great news for the customers. Gibbs & Dandy has a very strong reputation in the local area and I have been very impressed with their commitment to serving the local business trade.

“This agreement is also great news for our employees, who can look forward to a future that is both secure and exciting.”

He added: “Our customers and goodwill will migrate to Stevenage under the governance of the new company.”

Kevin Lowe will continue to be involved with the business to provide continuity.

Gibbs & Dandy is paying tribute to the role Chas Lowe & Sons has played in the community by erecting its old trading sign at the new Stevenage premises.

Managing director Neil Lawrence said: “Chas Lowe & Sons is an extremely respected business in the region and when we heard the site was going to be sold, we were very keen on ensuring the community continued to have a merchant to turn to and that the great history of the business was preserved.”

In 2009, there had been talk of Chas Lowe & Sons moving to the outskirts of Knebworth, in the hope the prime location could be used to expand village services, but the site has been sold to property developer McCarthy and Stone, who are looking to build an assisted living retirement complex there.