Glastonbury & Somerton MP Sarah Dyke with Rob and Louise Gillard at Overt Locke

Landmark Overt Locke store in Somerton saved from closure after takeover

Paul JonesJuly 9, 20250 Comment0

LANDMARK Somerton hardware and DIY store – Overt Locke – has been saved from closure after it was bought by a husband-and-wife team.

Louise and Rob Gillard have taken on the shop – which is marking its centenary year – and vowed to keep it running.

In January, Somerton residents were shocked to learn the business was up for sale, with Neil Taylor, grandson of founder Overt Locke, saying the shop faced an ‘uncertain future’ – with the site potentially being developed for housing.

Now, Louise and Rob have stepped in, taking over the business on June 6 and pledging to ensure it ‘continues to serve the community’.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for us,” said Rob. Overt Locke is more than a shop, it’s part of the town’s identity.

“Louise and I are honoured to be taking the reins of such a historic business and we’re committed to preserving what makes it special, while continuing to meet the needs of the local community.”

The pair also run Wentin Fasteners in Yeovil, and their background in a similar business was key to their taking on Overt Locke, according to Mr Taylor.

“We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome,” he said. “Rob and Louise understand the values and history behind Overt Locke.

“Their background in a similar business, and their shared passion for independent retail, make them the ideal custodians for the next chapter of this company and its people.”

MP Sarah Dyke with Louise Gillard at Overt Locke in Somerton

Residents welcomed the news, with one saying it was “brilliant news”, and another saying they were “so glad Overt Locke lives on”.

And MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) has also paid the store a visit to meet the new owners.

“Rob and Louise went to great lengths to save this 100 year old local business, a beloved Somerton high street institution,” she said. “It was fantastic to hear they have managed to not only keep the doors open, but retain the original team – their goal from the outset.

“I have previously highlighted their journey in Parliament and will continue to push for more support for small businesses, and for the Government to rethink punitive business rates and tax hikes.”