Angry staff at the Methuen Arms Hotel in Corsham have been left without a job in the lead-up to Christmas after the hotel closed without warning.

Staff and customers have been left wondering why the hotel, pub and restaurant, which is a landmark in the town, closed so suddenly without any explanation.

A former employee, who had been helping out in the hotel, said owners Enterprise Inns had informed licensee Malcolm Clowes on Thursday that it would have to close.

The Corsham man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Staff were told on Thursday that they didn’t have a job any more. One of those was my wife who had worked there full-time for the past three years.

“She loved her job there, she loved the customers and is devastated that this has happened.

“We have had to go to the Job Centre as we are still having to pay the rent and bills, so hopefully she will find a job soon.

“It’s an awful situation not being given any warning. My wife feels really betrayed.”

He also said that people staying at the hotel were asked to leave the next day.

The man added: “We knew there was something going on over the past few months as there were less and less deliveries – at one time I was working there and we didn’t have four ales, so customers started going elsewhere.”

He said his wife had been friendly with Mr Clowes, who had run the hotel since 2006 and is said to be devastated by the news.

It is thought the business had been struggling for several months. There is now a sign outside saying it will be closed until further notice.

At least eight people have been left without jobs as a result of the closure.

A spokesperson for Enterprise Inns Plc said: “Enterprise Inns can confirm that the Methuen Arms has closed but envisage that it is a temporary closure.”