When Mr Richard had just turned 16, his father died and as the only son, with three younger sisters, he took over the reins of the business full-time.

Back then, the shop sold mainly radios until the first BBC black and white televisions were produced.

Michael said: “I’ve loved every minute of it, even packing everything up now I’ve found 300 odd old radios in boxes, you forget how much stock we had.

“There used to be eight staff in the heyday and it was a really busy area. I know it like the back of my hand, knew it before half of the roads that are there now were even built.

“I remember during the Suez crisis when we were all issued petrol coupons, I used to cycle around the city on my bike with televisions pilled high on the back.

“About 20 years ago I remember delivering a television in the Toxteth area and my car was hi-jacked.

“I ended up hanging off the roof and was thrown from the car and spent 10 days in hospital.

“During the Toxteth riots a milk float was driven right into the front of the shop, so it’s had to be changed a few times over the years.”

He added: “We’ve been through credit crunches before and many power cuts but I’ve never thought about doing anything else.

“I still work all hours and even at the age of 70 I don’t plan to retire.”

Mr Richard is planning to continue the business from his home in Calderstones Park, so customers needing repairs or those wanting a satellite dish fitting can still expect to see him on the top of roofs around the city.

He said: “It’s a shame that the area has become run down over the years, we had signed up for a renovation scheme which never happened. It’s a sad day for me but it’s also sad for other businesses nearby who are also closing their doors, I just hope my customers still give me a call when they need me.”