A Harpenden spa is shutting its doors after nearly 15 years trading, citing “financial reasons” as the cause.

Herts Advertiser: Breathing Space Spa, Harpenden.Breathing Space Spa, Harpenden. (Image: Archant)

Breathing Space, of Thompsons Close, will permanently close next Tuesday.

In an announcement, owners Keith and Jane Lunn said they were “very sorry” to shut up shop: “We know this will be a disappointment for some of you who have been with us since we established the business in 2003.”

They added: “We would like to thank you for the support you have given us over the years and we hope you have enjoyed and benefitted from the Breathing Space experience.”

It noted that associate practitioners at Bodywise will remain open until further notice.

There was an outpouring of shock, sympathy, and well-wishers on social media following the news.

General manager Jane Pease told the Herts Ad how much she had enjoyed her work at the spa: “The decision to close their doors was taken because of continued financial pressures, and I am sad to go because Jane and Keith were great to work for, amazing people.

“I feel sad that it’s part of the community in Harpenden as well, it’s a hub of Harpenden – there are a lot of clients who come for the social side and there’s nothing else quite like it within the town.

“They came to have their nails done, to have a coffee and a massage.”

She was optimistic however that it is the start of a new chapter for both employees and clients.

St Albans Chamber of Commerce director, Harpenden town councillor, and long-serving former shop-keeper, Michael Weaver, said: “It is very sad, it’s one of the most popular places to go.

“It’s a great pity we could not have done more to make Thompsons Close a better area - it’s a side street, it isn’t in the High Street you see, that’s the main thing.

“It’s sad to see it go because a lot of people love going there and they have attracted a lot of customers.”

He said any shop that closes is a great loss to the town centre, and wondered whether the building will be sold for accommodation space instead.

Anyone with vouchers is asked to book treatments and use them before October 17, or email reception@breathingspacespa.co.uk with the date of purchase, name, and address for a refund.