THE development of a Tesco Express on Crosby North Road is a far cry from what the site looked like almost 80 years ago.
In 1929, Norman Fay finished building his motor trade business on the premises, Fay's Motors.
After leaving the Navy, in 1919 Norman had opened up his first motoring business on the opposite side of Crosby Road North.
Following the success of this business, Norman set to work on building a larger site on the other side of the road.
Norman passed away on July 4, 1960, at the age of 71.
His grandson David Raywood, of Seafield Avenue, Crosby, said: “My grandfather bought his first shop on Crosby Road North, opposite the one where the new Tesco is getting built now, in 1919.
“He then bought the site opposite the original store and could only build half of the premises as he didn’t have enough money to build the other half. The second half was then built at a later date.
“My grandfather went into the motor trade business because he couldn’t afford to buy a car. The first item he ever sold was actually his daughter’s pram!�
David added: “The shop used to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The floodlights were kept on all night and you could see the garage all the way from Southport!
“My mother, Eileen Fay, and her sister Ada lived above the garage when they were younger until the building was sold in the mid ‘30s.�
The garage was then taken over by the Williams family and the building was renamed Cameron’s after one of the Williams family.
Until 20-30 years ago the building still stood under the same name until it was knocked down to make way for a service station.
This year Tesco began building an Express store on the grounds.
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