A veterinary practice that has been part of Penrith town centre for more than 120 years has announced it will close its doors for good at the end of December, bringing an end to generations of veterinary care from its Crown Square premises.
Rowcliffe House Vets Ltd has confirmed it will permanently close on 31 December 2026, in an announcement that is likely to come as a shock to many of its longstanding customers in Penrith and the surrounding area.
The practice, which has served generations of local families, farmers and animal owners, has pointed to mounting financial pressures, difficulties with staff succession and a recent health event as reasons behind the decision to close.
In a notice issued to customers, the practice acknowledged that the news would come as a shock, describing the decision as one made with great regret after more than a century of veterinary services operating from Crown Square.
The announcement said: "The current economic climate, pressures on staff succession and a recent health event have created challenges that a small business like ours can no longer navigate without huge personal sacrifices."
The closure will mark the end of a longstanding veterinary presence in the heart of Penrith, with the practice having been a familiar part of the town for well over a century.
For some customers, the relationship with the practice stretches back through several generations, making the announcement more than simply the loss of another local business.
Rowcliffe House has confirmed that arrangements are being made to help customers transfer their animals' veterinary care to another provider, with Paragon Veterinary Group agreeing to assist those affected by the closure.
The practice said Paragon had been selected following considerable discussion because its values and standards were considered closely aligned with those of Rowcliffe House.
However, customers will not be required to move to Paragon and will remain free to choose another veterinary provider, with Rowcliffe House offering assistance to ensure a smooth transfer of care.
The practice said it was working to keep disruption to customers, their businesses and animals to a minimum during the remaining weeks before closure.
In a farewell message, director Sabine Boye expressed gratitude to the many customers who have supported the practice over the years.
She said: "We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the trust, loyalty and support you have shown us over many years, and in some cases generations. Serving our customers remains both a privilege and a pleasure."
The closure will bring to an end more than 120 years of veterinary history at Crown Square, with the final day of business set for New Year's Eve.
For Penrith, the announcement marks the impending loss of another longstanding town centre business, and one whose services have been relied upon by generations of animal owners in the town and surrounding rural communities.
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