Shrewsbury's Lord Hill Hotel is to close

One of Shropshire's best known hotels looks set to be turned into apartments after being bought by a local building firm.

The Lord Hill Hotel in Shrewsbury has confirmed it is to close on New Year's Day - blaming a combination of a slowdown in business, and the prospect of a costly refurbishment.

It hosts a series of high-profile events, including the Shropshire FA annual awards (pictured below).

In a statement, owners Raymond and Vera Proctor said: “It was one of the hardest choices for us to make and the decision to sell has not been easy, however we feel that it is the right time and sadly, the Lord Hill Hotel will cease trading on 1st January 2020.

“It has been sold (subject to a successful planning application) to a local building company, SY Homes.

“Our staff were the first to be informed and we have spent the past couple of days trying to contact customers who have booked for next year to assist them with re-locating their special event.

“Since we took over the hotel in 2001, it has been a successful business, keeping pace with market expectations and returning reasonable profitability.

“But, in recent years, there has been a significant downturn in trade, whilst costs have substantially increased. This, together with the need for major investment in order to meet the high expectations of our guests is why we have had to make this sad and very difficult decision.

“Unfortunately, many businesses on the High Street and in our industry are facing similar financial distress and are trying to operate in extremely challenging market conditions.

“We would like to emphasise that we will be trading as normal up until the 1st January next year and all guests who have booked with us during that period can expect the level of service and professionalism that we have always offered.

“Please be assured that any guests who wish to book for future events this year, including Christmas and New Year celebrations, will receive the high standards of hospitality that we have always strived to give. In the coming weeks, we will endeavour to contact all of our guests who have made a booking or enquiry for 2020 or beyond and do our upmost to assist them to relocate if necessary.

“Finally, we would like to say a massive thank you to all our customers, suppliers, fantastic staff members, friends and family for their support over the years who have all contributed to some amazing, unforgettable memories.”