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Barclay brothers businesses in Sark to close

Businesses owned by the Barclay brothers in Sark, including four hotels, are closing from next year.

Sark Estate Management CEO Kevin Delaney said: "We will not be opening any of our hospitality businesses next year in any shape or form or for any foreseeable period after that."

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Fears for Sark's economy

There are fears the closure of the Barclay brothers businesses in Sark could spell the end for the island's economy.

Yesterday it was revealed their hospitality firms, including four hotels are being shut at the start of the new year.

As well as job losses, it puts a major dent in the amount of tourist accommodation available in the island.

160 of the 500 beds for visitors will be lost.

Reporter, Helena Carter has spent the day in Sark, where many are expressing their shock, and some even say it's the beginning of the end...

Reaction to Sark business closure

Islanders in Sark are expressing their shock and disappointment today at the imminent closure of a number of hotels and other hospitality businesses.

The Barclay Brother's Sark Hotel Group is shutting them in the new year, in protest of the island's government.

Hotelier Elizabeth Peree says it was a shame to see their hotels go to waste...

Shocked and rather saddened and disappointed because they've made beautiful hotels and it is terrific for Sark.

Sark being such a beautiful place anyway.

– Hotelier, Elizabeth Peree

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Sark Tourism still not informed of Sark Estate Management's plans to close

The head of the Sark Chief Pleas Tourism Committee Sandra Williams says she has still not been informed of Sark Estate Management's plans to close its businesses, but she has issued this statement...

Although this is unfortunate, Sark is still able to offer an excellent range of accommodation from top quality bed and breakfasts and self-catering lets, to campsites and two award-winning hotels. We are perplexed about the decision to close their hotels when this season has been so successful.

Lots of people here have had a bumper season and I'm thrilled with the positive feedback from a range of businesses on the island.

I believe that visitors will still want to come and experience what I can only describe as a taste of heaven. Sark is still very much open for business.

– Sark Chief Pleas Tourism Committee, Sandra Williams
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