A much-loved Sudbury bakery will close after a takeover of the premises fell through.
It was announced in early July that Weston's Bakery in Gaol Lane would close with immediate effect after owners Pat and Chris Weston were taken to hospital following a serious crash.
Fellow independent business and café TOAST announced days later it would be taking control of the business.
The lease for the building has fallen through (Image: Newsquest)
However, it has now been revealed the bakery will shut after TOAST was unable to agree a new lease for the building.
READ MORE: Weston's Sudbury closed down after owners injured in crash
"Regrettably, we’re unable to proceed taking over Weston’s Bakery as planned due to multiple problems that we are unable to solve," a statement said.
"In the takeover, multiple things needed to be sorted, including the lease on the bakery building. This was either to be renegotiated or the existing lease reassigned.
"We attempted to negotiate a deal that was acceptable by all, led by the fact we were very excited to take on the bakery and refurbish, rebrand, and modernise it, but dealing with the landlord has been very difficult.
"Our final offer saw us offering, what we believed to be, above and beyond what we should have offered, but this was not deemed sufficient."
Toast has confirmed it has handed the keys to the premises back to Weston's Bakery.
The statement added: "To say we are disappointed is an understatement.
"We were excited at the prospect of the bakery and the opportunities that it created for everyone involved."
A spokesman for Weston's Bakery said: "We thank everyone who has supported us through the last seven years and we wish TOAST, our old staff and all our customers the very best for the future."
The last day of trading at the bakery will be Monday, October 9.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here