BARROW residents have been urged to support town centre trade after owners of a popular coffee shop confirmed they are considering their future.

The Last Resort Coffee Shop took to social media to announce their closure of the shop yesterday and today whilst they consider the future of the business.

Colin Garnett, manager at Barrow BID, said: “I hope the Last Resort closure is on a temporary basis due to Covid concerns as the coffee, food and welcome at the Last Resort is always fantastic.

“This popular café business will be missed and it is a real shame that the Covid pandemic has affected businesses like the Last Resort.

“I ask that Barrow residents do their best to support town centre businesses and small local businesses as much as possible to ensure that these businesses can survive and serve the local community for years to come.

“I personally wish Mike, Debbie and their team all the best and hope to see them open again.”

Mocha merchant Mr Stephenson has been at the helm of the business since it was established in 1990, starting across the road before moving to its current location in 1995.

The shop wrote on Facebook: “We will make a further decision on the future of the Coffee Shop on Friday.

“We are extremely grateful for the fantastic support we’ve been shown in the last few months during lockdown and throughout our 30 years in business.

“It has been a pleasure to have been an integral part of the fabric of the town and we feel fortunate to have met so many wonderful people who help make this area such a great place to live and work.

“Take care everyone and look after yourselves.”

The Government announced that from yesterday “licensed premises” in the hospitality sector will have to serve customers at tables.

This is to avoid them congregating at tills and bars, as part of new coronavirus guidelines announced on Tuesday.

Cafe owners across the UK have suggested they will not be able to operate using table service only.