21st July 2005, 12:57 PM
Had this problem yesterday at Wickes. They've been taken over by Travis Perkins and stock a really peculiar range of shovels, from postholers, trenching shovels, to big 'coal' shovels, suitable perhaps for duty on the Settle to Carlisle line! All I wanted was 6 normal all steel, tapered end shovels. They suggested Homebase - pricey! Got what I wanted from Keyline - don't know if they have them up north but worth a try. Tubal Cain's look good - perhaps too good?! (that'll upset someone, no doubt). They could also probably do with the business having been burgled recently, so yeah try TC. The long handled ones are good for some things but not so much for digging or clay soils, do save yer back though.