Saturday is Independence Day…for the owners of Sittingbourne’s only music shop.

Cynthia and Robert Swade have run Swade Music in Roman Square since they were handed the keys on November 21, 1991.

But after 23 years the husband and wife team, who are both 63, have decided to cease trading with its last day being today.

Mrs Swade said: “It’s our Independence Day. I feel bloody awful about it but I’ve got my old-age pension and bus pass and we thought while we’re still fit and healthy we should come out of it.

“We will be sad to say goodbye; I’m expecting to be in tears for most of the day.”

There is no new owner to take over the premises though.

Despite it being up for sale since last October there have been no takers.

It is currently being marketed by Caxtons Chartered Surveyors in Canterbury.

Included in the sale is a former first floor storage/office space that has been converted into a self-contained two-bedroom flat which produces £420 pcm (£5,040 per annum) and is currently let on an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, to the same tenant since 2011.

The premises has traded as a music shop since 1977, when it started life as Simpson’s, and there are hopes it will continue as one when it is taken over.

The price of stock and fixtures and fittings is subject to negotiation.

Mrs Swade added: “We moved to Sittingbourne in 1988. I was, and still am, a music teacher teaching piano and theory from home so I made myself known to the music shop which was called Bell Music and owned by Hohner.

“I didn’t think it was being run particularly well, even though I had no retail experience.

“So, I approached the head office and asked if they were interested in selling the business and they were. We’re hoping someone locally who’s musical might like to take it on.”

Mr Swade said: “We’ve had lots of people who have shown an interest but nobody has put any money on the table. It’s will cost us £450 a month to keep it shut.”

Anyone interested in buying the business and flat is asked to call Caxton Chartered Surveyors on 01227 788088.