The owners of a popular cafe in one of Oswestry’s tourist spots says they are ‘heartbroken’ at having to retender for their own business.

Carol and Charles Roberts have operated out of the Heritage Centre, in Church Street, for more than two decades, but have to vacate the premises by September for work to be carried out.

But Oswestry Town Council has also offered the chance for other business to tender for the licence, which has left Mrs Roberts devastated.

“I’m absolutely heartbroken and feel like someone has stolen our business,” said Carol, who was recognised for her public service at the 2019 Advertizer Awards. “It’s been 22 years dedication to the town and we are a good coffee shop.”

Carol confirmed plans to retender.

However she expressed concerns over the the timeframe and feared even if they were successful the cafe would not be back in business until next year due to structural works.

“We’ve have visitors from all around the world come to the cafe. We hold charity events and school events.”

Carol said the notice had been formal and given in a “cold manner.”

She said it had been tough to take, saying: “It’s hard to be given the notice in a formal, cold manner and it’s not befitting of the good relationship we have with Oswestry Town Council.”

Oswestry Town Council clerk Arren Roberts confirmed the closure is down to structural work, and says the pair are welcome to retender for the centre’s licence.

The town clerk also confirmed the current occupants had been given longer notice than the terms of the license.

He said: “Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre is currently closed because of Covid-19 measures and will be closed for the remainder of the year for structural works which are required to ensure the safety of the building.

“The council is reviewing the status of all agreements for the occupation of the building.

“The council has given the current license-holders notice, the length of notice being far greater than they are actually entitled to under the terms of the licence.

“We hope to retender the license and have told the current licensee that they would be welcome to take part in this process.”