ONE of the last independent guitar makers in historic Denmark Street has packed up his shop for the final time.

Tim Marten – who began working in Andy’s repair shop in 1978 – has toured the world with Led Zeppelin and Kinks frontman Ray Davies.

Mr Marten has been forced to leave because of a major development of the street – also known as Tin Pan Alley – by developer Consolidated.

The 62-year-old said: “It’s not come as a surprise but it is something that has been hanging over us for a long time. The sword of Damocles has finally fallen and we have to go.

“I am left in a bit of a panic with nowhere to go. The stuff is going into storage while I take some time off to try and find alternative premises. But with the prices in central London being what they are I think it is unlikely that I will find anywhere that I can afford.”

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