RESIDENTS of Melksham have voiced their sadness after learning the impact of Covid-19 has killed the town's Arthouse Café.

Melksham Rotary Club has decided to close the Market Place cafe for good, because of the effect of the Covid-19 coronavirus on society and the local community.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, a former mayor of Melksham, and a Wiltshire councillor, led the tributes to its team of volunteers, saying: "I’m really sad to see the closure of this community venue.

"I would like to say a massive thank you to all of the team who have helped run the cafe over the years and to the Rotary Club for the fantastic investment they have been able to make in our community.

"Hopefully once the horrors of the Covid pandemic are behind us, it may be possible for something similar to open again in the premises."

The highly popular café, located in the Market Place close to the Town Hall, has been run by Melksham Rotary since 2011, raising more than £100,000 for local charities and causes.

Jane Hardwidge, president of Melksham Rotary, said: “This will be a great disappointment to many people.

"Implementing social distancing measures whilst maintaining the profitability of the business is unachievable without significant changes to the business model.

"The business could only operate with a team of volunteers. Many of the volunteers would be categorised at a moderate or high-risk as defined by NHS guidelines.

"A significant proportion of the regular patrons are in their advanced years. It was felt that they are unlikely to put themselves at an increased risk to use the facilities provided by the cafe."

She added: “We are extremely grateful to all the volunteers, Rotarians and staff who have worked in the café.

“Over the years proceeds from the business allowed the club to donate over £100,000 to local groups and good causes.

“We would also like to thank Ian and Sue Drew who have been great landlords and supporters of the café.

“Melksham Rotary will continue to exist, and we hope, as the lockdown is eased and normal life returns, to put on events to help local charities and good causes.

"We look forward to meeting people at these events.”

As well as providing a place in the town centre for people to meet, the café has also been used by a number of local organisations.

Recently, it welcomed a new carers café, offering carers and the people they care for a place to escape isolation and meet others in a similar situation.

The cafe hosted teatime get-togethers for people living with dementia and their carers.

It also supported local artists by displaying their work on the walls.