NEWBRIDGE Farm Park has closed for good, after its owners decided the threat of bird flu to the business was simply one threat too many.

The news has dismayed Ledbury tourist chiefs, who viewed the Little Marcle farm park as a key attraction for families visiting the area.

Chris Clarke, Ledbury TIC supervisor and vice-chairman of the Ledbury Tourist Association, said: "It's absolutely devastating. People would come into the TIC all the time and ask about Newbridge."

The family-run farm park has welcomed over 250,000 visitors since it opened in 1994.

Diana Gardner, who runs the business with her husband Wayne and their children, said: "Many schools, playgroups and nurseries returned time after time, to enjoy bottle feeding a lamb or a bumpy tractor ride."

But the farm park is also home to birds, including peacocks, ducks, rhea, turkeys, pheasants and quails, which could be at risk from bird flu.

New guidelines for minimising risk of the disease were issued last week by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mr Gardner said: "Every other year, something comes up and we have decided to call it a day. There are lots of factors. Insurance goes up every year and threat of bird flu was just the last straw."

His wife said that the farm park "was shut down before it opened" the season that foot and mouth struck, and the family did not want a repeat experience.

She said: "Our friendly farm animals will miss all the visitors and bags of food, but will continue to receive the necessary care and attention."

The Gardners have planning permission for six lodges and are considering going into the holiday lets business.

n The new Defra guidelines include checking birds daily, using netting to isolate them from wild flocks, only allowing essential vehicles into areas where birds are kept, disinfecting vehicles and advising staff to shower and change their clothes after being in contact with birds.

New birds brought into a collection should also be isolated and monitored for at least 14 days.