Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys reacts to closure of Newcastle music store JG Windows

Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys has reacted to the news that Newcastle music store JG Windows has closed after it failed to find a buyer.

The company, which had a shop in the city’s Central Arcade, dates back to 1908 and sold musical instruments, sheet music and vinyl records. But after efforts to find a buyer failed, the company has permanently closed, making 17 staff members redundant.

And Neil, one half of synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys has reacted with sadness to the news of its closure.

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Posting on the bands official Facebook page, he said: "Very sad to learn that this renowned music shop is closing in Newcastle. As a teenager I used to visit after school and ask to listen to David Bowie in one of their stereo listening booths and then browse through the records and sheet music and wish I could afford a posh guitar. It will be much missed. Neil x."

And fans of the Pet Shop Boys have also been reacting to the music shops closure.

One user commented: "So sad. Always had a trip to Windows. My grandpa used to get the bus into town well into his 80s to go and choose his sheet music for piano. Every department was interesting even if you didn't play music."

Another added: "It was a teenage favourite of mine too. Very few music stores with such variety as this even then. It will be a big loss to the beautiful arcade it is in."

The store closed yesterday, with a sign in the window of the shop saying: "It is with great sadness that we announce that JG Windows has closed permanently.

"After having served our loyal customers across the North East and beyond with all things musical since 1908, and being a cornerstone of the region’s musical heritage, our small business can no longer compete with large online retailers, and with heavy hearts we have had to take the difficult decision to close.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support, custom and friendship."