A FAMILY business that dates back almost 50 years will return to the town this month.

Burgo’s Pet World is set to open before the end of July having recently moved in to its new premises at the former site of The George Hotel, in George Yard.

The pet shop, now run by Richard Burgess, traces it roots back to 1972, when Richard’s grandfather opened a store in Ragged Appleshaw before relocating to Andover.

“He moved to London Street in 1975 and then he was there for 37 years with dad [Danny] and my uncle Paul,” said Richard.

“He then retired and Dad carried it on, and so I’ve just grown up with it.”

Since the store in London Street closed, Richard and his dad have been running their business online, but now find themselves in a position to return to the town.

The new shop will be managed by Richard and his wife, Katie, but it very much remains a full family enterprise.

He added: “It’s a whole family thing – me, dad, my mother. It’s not just the two of us.”

Richard expects the shop to be open to the public before the end of the month, with the team currently applying the finishing touches to the building.

Danny added: “We don’t want to open half-heartedly. We want to be 100 per cent, for the animals’ sake more than anything. That’s our main concern.”