Template:21 August

21st August 1985: Alf Roberts had little idea that his ambitions to expand the Corner Shop would being sleepless nights to one of his neighbours when he employed shifty builder Les Pringle to oversee the work to convert the old-fashioned store into a mini-mart. Alf made on offer to Hilda Ogden to buy 13 Coronation Street and merge the two buildings into one. Hilda proved to be reluctant, despite the tempting offer, so Pringle "helpfully" told her that her own roof was sagging and it would cost her at least £2,000 to put right. Hilda fretted over the news for several weeks and confided in few people what was worrying her. One who did hear her woes was Bet Lynch who passed the news on to a surprised Alf. He checked the story himself with Hilda and gave Pringle his quote and paperwork back, furiously telling him that he didn't like the way he conducted his business and ordering him out. Alf instead converted the living premises at the back of the shop to achieve his expansion and Hilda was left alone.
 * For more information see Episode 2545 (21st August 1985).