Popular Sheffield pub announces PERMANENT closure due to virus – and warns more businesses could follow

The Hillsborough Club on Bradfield Road said it would not reopen once restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are lifted, as the economic impact had been too severe.

It warned that the ‘tsunami effect’ of the pandemic could wipe out many more small businesses before the crisis is over.

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Owners Scott and Frank Heaton said the combined impact of the November floods and now coronavirus had forced them to take the decision with ‘a heavy heart and great sadness’.

“During this time the loss of revenue and the lack of funds supplied by the Government and insurance companies means that this is no longer sustainable,” they said in a post on the club's Facebook page.

“We have owned the club since 2003 and so this decision has not been taken lightly as we have invested a lot of our own money and time to make this venue a suitable community hub for the people of Hillsborough.

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“Personally I am devastated by this decision as I grew up in this area and know many of you on a personal level.”

They thanked customers for their support over the last 17 years, promised to organise a full refund of any money paid for bookings and added that they hoped people were ‘staying safe in these worrying times’.

Explaining why it was impossible to keep running, they said: “The amount of revenue lost added to the amount that we have projected over the next few months unfortunately would be just to much for us to carry on.

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“This tsunami affect will carry on for small businesses way after they are allowed to open. You also have to consider that the leisure industry will be the last businesses allowed to open as they are not essential but are a luxury and so pubs/clubs etc will be the very last to get the green light.

“The loss of revenue from football, private functions and general business would be a huge gap to fill. I hope you all understand but once again I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”