Umberto’s Fish Bar in Ashton-on-Ribble has closed with immediate effect.

The Preston institution, which originally began serving in 1973, had reopened under new management last November.

In a Facebook post, one of the owners Gavin Hall said it was “very sad day” and had been a “difficult decision” to close the doors.

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Co-owner Richard Fisher Godwin also posted on Facebook, saying: “We are very sad to say that we have had to take the unfortunate decision to close Umberto’s Fish Bar.

“Its been really great and we have loved bringing something a bit different to Preston but unfortunately the cost of producing such a menu has been very challenging and unfortunately in the current climate not been sustainable.

“Massive thanks to all of my friends and the wider community that have supported us and hopefully someone can take the premises on and continue it as something else.”

A statement then appeared on the Umberto’s Facebook page explaining the closure.

The business in Watery Lane is now up for sale.

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