Coronavirus: Tea room's appeal for support after daily takings drop to £13.50

Harrogate Tea Rooms says it is needs the support of customers to remain open.

The owners of an independent business in Harrogate have called for support amid claims that coronavirus pandemic has caused a major drop in local custom.

This time of year has always provided a steady stream of customers for The Harrogate Tea Rooms, in Westminster Arcade, but the business has reported a significant downturn in takings over the past two weeks.

Owners Tony and Caroline Wilkinson have said urgent action is needed as the business finds itself in a "dismal" financial situation after earning just £13.50 in one day, last week.

"The situation at the moment is horrendous," Mr Wilson, who has lived in Harrogate for the past 10 years said.

"This is a direct cause of the coronavirus - the tourists that are usually out and about aren't out and about.

"And with our demographic mainly older people and pensioners - of course this is a real worry."