POOLE Pottery’s quayside store closed its doors for the last time on Sunday, bringing the end to an association with the town stretching back more than 140 years.

The retail arm of the pottery ceased trading on site after talks between owners Denby Holdings and the landlords of the Poole Quay building apparently stalled earlier this year.

Production of the iconic pottery, which started in Poole in 1873, moved to Stoke a decade ago - but supporters always hoped a presence would remain locally.

Now the Poole store and studio, which had attracted thousands of visitors to the quayside each week, has closed for the last time. However, pottery bosses say they haven’t given up on the town.

Poole Pottery retail director Gary Capell said: “We were for some time trying to reach agreement with our landlord on the quay which would have allowed us to trade in the current building.

“The situation has been further compounded by an uncertain future taking into account the landlord’s ultimate plans for redevelopment or sale of the site and the fact that the fabric of the building itself isn’t viable for the business in the long term despite the best efforts of our hard working staff there.

“It is our staff who we thank for making the Poole Visitor Centre such a memorable and popular tourist attraction and we would also like to thank our loyal customers and collectors who have visited the store and studio.”

Mr Capell said the company first contacted the Borough of Poole (BOP) about the difficulties faced at the site in autumn 2014m and that despite a number of talks with council officials no “satisfactory alternative site or outcome has yet been identified.”

But he added: “We continue to look for other sites to find a way of retaining a presence for Poole Pottery in Poole given the history and close association that the brand has had with the town but at this time no agreements have been reached despite considerable efforts.”

Shopper Peter Conway, just one of hundreds of customers who made their last pilgrimage to the store on Sunday, told the Echo: “It is a sad day when a name synonymous with the town like this has to say goodbye.

“It just feels like the staff here have been let down.”

Another customer said: “Truly feels like the end of an era for Poole Quay, hopefully they’ll find a way to get back here in time.”