THE White Hart Hotel in Launceston has closed.

On social media on Wednesday, May 9, the day the hotel closed, a statement read: “This has not been an easy decision and today has been extremely hard for us.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our staff for their help and support over the past few months.

“Thank you to all our customers and organisations that have supported us over the years.

“Hopefully it won’t be too long before the White Hart opens again for a new chapter.”

A spokesperson for the nearby Trethorne Hotel and Golf Club said: “We are shocked and saddened by a closure of a local business, it’s not nice when a competitor closes. It will be sorely missed until it reopens. Our sadness goes to the staff and owners at this time.”