CUSTOMERS are sad to see a beloved city cafe and event space close its doors for the final time.

The Pump House Environment Centre, located in Ghelvulet Park, closed permanently to the public today so that the final building can be cleared before the end of the year.

The trust will return the building to its landlord Worcester City Council which said it had “no current plans” for the building and would be “exploring its options.”

The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust was established 25 years ago by Cecil Duckworth, who died in 2020 and has been based in Pump House Environment Centre since 2001.

But despite running a popular café at the Pump House, the trust has been unable to cover the costs of being in the building.

Helen Newbery was enjoying a drink with Nicola Irving at the cafe, and both were sad to see it close.

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She said: "I have been a regular here for years and I have deliberately come today to say goodbye to the staff f and the building.

"The staff are marvellous and we enjoy coming here so much. I am just heartbroken it has closed. I think it is crazy, I just hope that somebody takes it on.

"With the new bridge project ongoing, there will be so many people passing by and this space will be even more needed."

Sally White recalled lots of happy memories spent at The Pump House Environment Centre.

She said: "I have been here loads of times over the years with friends and family. A friend of mine had her child's birthday party upstairs once.

"There have been lots of fun family days here with my niece as well so it really is a shame and I am hoping that something will happen here in the future."

Hannah Barkley was surprised that a petition had not been made to save the business.

She said: "I did not know it was the last day, it is not somewhere that I come often, but speaking to some of the ladies inside, I am really surprised a petition has not been made to try and save it.

"It is really sad that they are not able to stay open.

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Kirsty Gilmour said: "I have been coming here for years with my kids to get a coffee and a cake on a walk so it is really disappointing news."

The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust was also forced to close Worcestershire Resource Exchange last year because of cost pressures.

Last month, Cecil’s widow Beatrice Duckworth said: "The lease for the Pump House is up for renewal and Cecil's endowment has also come to an end and it is with great regret that we, the trustees, feel we should leave the Pump House.”

Over the years the trust has worked with volunteers to remove litter and graffiti, create community gardens and play areas, and ran a resource exchange that helped reduce waste going to landfills.