Here’s a blast from the past in Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, that came to light as the former Shortis site, later Motormania at the Howard Street junction, is revamped for new occupiers.

East Anglian Daily Times: old Shortis store Woodbridge Road, Ipswichold Shortis store Woodbridge Road, Ipswich (Image: supplied)

The existing signage was removed and revealed beneath it the old sign for the Shortis car spares and accessories store that opened there in 1967.

Richard Shortis, managing director of the Shortis Group which still owns Wilco Motor Spares and Fast-Fit Tyres and Exhausts in Norwich Road, Ipswich, said the old Shortis signage was spotted and pictured by Ken Carden, manager of Fast-Fit in the town.

The original Shortis store opened in Woodbridge Road in 1967 but Mr Shortis believes the revealed signage dates from slightly later because beneath it, coming through the paint, you can just make out the earlier sign for KJ Shortis (Car Spares) Ltd. It changed to Shortis Motorists Discount Store in 1970.

The Shortis Group, founded by Kevin Shortis, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. It now has 600 employees across 81 trading sites, stretching from north London, through East Anglia and into Yorkshire, and an annual turnover of nearly £40m.

East Anglian Daily Times: old Shortis store Woodbridge Road, Ipswichold Shortis store Woodbridge Road, Ipswich (Image: supplied)