The local locksmith supporting the community

With darker evenings and winter weather setting in, safety and security are once again high on the agenda for residents across Glossop.

The Glossop Police Safer Neighbourhood Team has recently been advising householders to check that the locks on their homes are in good working order, warning that worn or outdated locks can leave properties vulnerable to burglary. 

Local councillors have echoed this advice, reminding residents that many homes still have original locks fitted when they were built - locks which can now be breached in seconds using modern methods. In some recent cases, burglars have gained entry, taken car keys from inside a property, and stolen vehicles from driveways. 

Against this backdrop, we spoke to local locksmith Andy Terry from Lockfit Ashton & Glossop, who has been working across Glossop, Tameside and Oldham for the past five years. 

Andy’s work often begins when something has already gone wrong: a lock that has failed, a door that won’t open, or a resident who has accidentally locked themselves out. But he believes many of these situations can be avoided: “If a lock is sticking, catching, or you’re having to force the handle, that’s your warning sign” he explains. “People often leave it until it completely breaks, but if I see it early, I can often repair it rather than replace it - which is cheaper and far less disruptive.” 

Cold weather can make matters worse, as doors and frames shift slightly and metal components contract. A small issue in autumn can quickly turn into a major problem on a freezing winter morning - sometimes leaving a property insecure or the resident unable to get inside at all. 

Andy’s approach to his work is refreshingly practical. Rather than replacing parts unnecessarily, he tries to fix what’s already there wherever possible, repairing locks, door handles and window mechanisms. When parts do need replacing, he carries a wide range of commonly used stock in his van, allowing him to complete most jobs immediately. If something needs to be ordered, it usually arrives the next day, with properties never left unsecured. All his work comes with a one-year guarantee on all items supplied and installed.  

Andy is fully DBS-checked due to the nature of his work and holds full public liability insurance. Lockfit operates as a national network with around 200 franchises across the UK, with each franchisee individually running their own areas.  Andy is keen to point out that not everyone who claims to be a locksmith has been properly trained. “It’s important people know who they’re letting into their home,” he says. Andy has undertaken rigorous training and vetting himself, giving customers confidence that they are dealing with a qualified and trustworthy professional. 

What stands out most in Andy’s story, however, is how he sees his role within the community. He has carried out work free of charge for Glossopdale Foodbank as a way of giving back, and he has helped elderly and vulnerable residents during emergencies. 

In one particularly moving incident, Andy was called when carers were unable to access a man’s property because a key left in the inside of the door had prevented entry. The carers had to leave to attend to another person, but Andy went straight to the address, gained access and stayed with the man, who had collapsed, until help returned. “I got him comfortable, kept him calm and made him a cup of tea,” Andy recalls. “You don’t just walk away in that situation.” 

This sense of responsibility underpins Andy’s business model. He does not charge a call-out fee and if he cannot solve the problem, customers are not charged for his time. Prices are fair and quoted upfront wherever possible, and Andy will carry out a free visit if something can’t be assessed over the phone. 

Customer reviews consistently describe him as friendly, trustworthy and calm - qualities that matter when someone is locked out, distressed or feeling unsafe. 

As winter approaches, Andy has a simple message for residents: don’t ignore small problems. A lock that feels awkward today could fail tomorrow - and getting it checked early could prevent stress, expense and security risks later. 

For Andy Terry, being a locksmith isn’t just about locks and keys. It’s about keeping people safe, warm, and secure - and being someone, the community knows it can trust. 

Andy is available to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week and in an emergency will usually get to you within the hour - for further details visit: https://lockfit.co.uk/glossop-locksmith or for a no-obligation chat call him on 07368 516136.