A POPULAR cafe in Stonehouse is closing down as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Bay Tree Cafe has announced that it will be shutting after 16 years on the High Street.

Cafe owners Heather and Steve thanked their staff and customers for being a major part of their lives since 2004.

In a statement on the cafe’s Facebook page, they said: “Well we're sorry to have to post this one. But it is with a heavy heart and quite a few tears, due to the Covid restrictions currently imposed, we are unable to ensure the safety of our customers, staff and ourselves.

“We have therefore made the decision to close the cafe business down. Can we take this opportunity to thank Stonehouse for being a major part of our lives for the past 16 years.

“It's been a pleasure to have been a part of the community, and we've had so much fun, had so much laughter, met some wonderful people and made many, many, friends.

“We have employed some wonderful staff of whom we have been so very proud.

“We would like to wish you all well for your futures, and our particular thoughts go out to our staff that we have had to let go. Without our staff, The Bay Tree would not have maintained the high standards it has achieved or the magnificent reviews on Tripadvisor over the years. These resulted us being inducted to the Tripadvisor ‘Hall of Fame’.

“Thank you all for your support, but most of all please stay safe."