LAPFORD Mill has closed its doors to the public “indefinitely and with immediate effect”.

The venue, which in recent years has hosted live music events, open-air theatre productions and features a bar and ride-on model steam railway, has been “well supported” by regulars, but local trade has recently been “all but non-existent” and the “costs of keeping the business open can’t be met”, its owner Alex Gater said.

Moreover, the mill had to shut temporarily in March last year after a burst sewage pipe leaked effluent into the leat, the watercourse that supplies the mill with water, which “severely impacted” the business.

“Many of us have heard of the struggles facing hospitality and we are clearly not immune to it,” said Mr Gater.

“We still have a number of open-air theatre events planned and will announce these as soon as we can.

“In the meantime, we wish all our friends and darling customers a Happy and Prosperous (!) New Year and we hope to see you again if we can get there!

“I remain resident at the mill and continue to enjoy casual live music jams but these are now organised as private evenings as we no longer have public insurance in place so those of us that continue to want to rehearse, jam or chat – please contact me.

“Lots of love and with hope for finding a suitable future for this awesome place.”

Mr Gater added that work on the model steam railway will also continue privately.

“This will depend on the interest and if we can attract a volunteer team to help with the construction,” he continued.

To be kept informed of its progress or to get involved, contact Mr Gater or sign up for Lapford Mill’s monthly newsletter email by visiting: www.lapfordmill.uk/contact.