THE council has responded after a popular alpaca attraction revealed it is closing as it "struggles to meet their demands".

There has been an outpouring of sadness after Alpaca Meadows revealed with a "sad heart" that the site on The Rhydd will close for good after being unable to meet the demands of the Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) planning department. 

Ian Macleod, director of planning and infrastructure at Malvern Hills District Council, said he was aware that Alpaca Meadows and Café would close for commercial activities on June 15.

Malvern Gazette: He added: "We will be making contact with the business and we welcome further discussions with them and the highways department at Worcestershire County Council to explore the options available.”

Tricia Stapleton, the owner of Alpaca Meadows, bought the land in 2017 and has since built a popular attraction where visitors can walk with the animals.

Malvern Gazette: The attraction is known for helping many organisations in the community, including The Lawns Nursing Home and So Xsighted Morris.

A spokesperson for The Lawns Nursing Home said: "(They) have been so kind and supportive hosting our care home ladies and gents for animal therapy and social afternoons, which was so beneficial for them all.

"Is there anything at all we can do to help?

"(They) clearly have so many people behind (them) who I am sure would help. 

"The meadows are so beautiful, peaceful, clean and so good for mindfulness of any age.

"We are gutted."

Malvern Gazette: Alpaca Meadows to close for good.So Xsighted Morris, a visually impaired Border Morris Dance group in Malvern, had also shared its sadness over the closure.

A spokesperson added: "We have always enjoyed coming to dance at Alpaca Meadows for the Malvern Branch of Sight Concern and we know it is one of their favourite annual trips.

"We were all looking forward to August's event, and we (Sight Concern Malvern and So Xsighted Morris) are desperately sorry to hear this news.

"We send our love and thanks for all they have done in the past."

Ms Stapleton revealed the news of the closure on Facebook and thanked all the "amazing and lovely" people who had supported them.

She added: "It has been an absolute honour to serve and bake for you.

"My team are amazing and it has been a pleasure to see you grow from young boys and girls into lovely young adults. I feel so honoured to have you work as part of Alpaca Meadows."