HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling for the reversal of a decision to close a beloved tearoom in an iconic Powys beauty spot.

The news that Penbont House is closing came a month ago, with owners the Elan Valley Trust saying the tearooms will shut on May 20.

The trust said the decision had been made due to the off-grid business being too expensive to run.

It has caused uproar locally as the tearoom is hugely popular with the myriad of visitors the Elan Valley attracts.

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It also seems a particularly odd time of year to make such a decision given the spring and summer seasons and a tourism upsurge approaching, but the trust insists the decision to shut won’t be reversed.

That hasn’t stopped local residents and visitors from taking action, however. Wendy Thorner’s petition was launched on March 14 and has attracted more than 800 signatures. She presented the petition to the trust on Tuesday (April 2).

Introducing the petition, which can be viewed at https://shorturl.at/zIVY6, Wendy said: “The Elan Valley Trust have decided to close Penbont House in May this year.

“They say it isn't viable but I can find nothing to suggest this in their last annual audit for the Charity Commission.

“The tearooms are situated in the heart of the beautiful Elan Valley and are much loved and visited by our community and tourists.

“They are the only venue providing hot food and drinks in this remote area and are always a welcome sight for walkers and cyclists.

“Their closure would not only mean loss of employment for many locals but also negatively impact tourism which is vital to our economy.”

County Times: The decision to close Penbont House has caused uproar locally as the tearooms is hugely popular with the myriad of visitors the Elan Valley attracts. The decision to close Penbont House has caused uproar locally as the tearooms is hugely popular with the myriad of visitors the Elan Valley attracts. (Image: Supplied)

On Easter Monday, Wendy shared with various local Facebook groups that the petition had been signed by over 500 people. More than 300 people have since added their names – taking the total number of signatures to over 800.

“We need to let Elan Valley Trust know how we feel about this sudden closure at the start of the tourist season,” added Wendy in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

“Shortly after its reopening the business had to deal with Covid and long-term road closure, added to which unnecessary closures caused by problems with the infrastructure – most notably the plumbing – which (the) Elan Valley Trust are responsible for maintaining.

“It's time now to build on what has been achieved. They have wonderful staff and a loyal customer base.

“Let's prompt (the) Elan Valley Trust to see sense and reprieve Penbont House.”

The petition and subsequent social media posts have attracted scores of comments.

Pat Kennedy said: “Who actually authorised this closure? On what grounds? And why at the beginning of a tourist season? Please could we have some answers."

Julie Pike added: “Please don’t close the tearooms. They are a little slice of heaven.”

Some people also sympathised with the trust, with Jenny Wren saying: “I think, as already pointed out, they renovated and then had to cope with Covid and losses associated with that, costs a lot to run as its off-grid.

“I really don't think it's a decision made lightly as they were so excited when it was renovated. It’s sad but sometimes you have to make the sums work, lots of pubs have closed because of rising costs.”

Darrel Dudley added: “The place is one massive money pit, the fact it's stayed open this long is a miracle.”