A POPULAR seafront cafe in Weston has closed for the winter after its energy bills soared by 400 per cent. 

The owners of The New Castle, on Kewstoke Road, said the rising cost of gas and electric meant they were forced with the 'difficult decision to close'.

It closed on September 25 and will now not reopen until next year. 

In an announcement made on social media, proprietors Dave and Anne Palmer said energy costs have risen by a shocking 400 per cent.

"After careful consideration, we have made the decision to move from an all-year trading position to a seasonal operation.

"This decision has not been taken lightly but due to the spiraling costs of gas and electric we will close this winter."

They added: "We would like to thank you all for the support you have given us over the past nine years.

"Our huge thanks go out to such a loyal and hardworking team of staff who have supported us during the pandemic and continued to do so during this difficult time."

This comes following an enormous increase in wholesale gas prices which will force an estimated 53 million people in the UK into fuel poverty this winter.

Under plans drawn up by the government earlier this month, the typical household will see their bills frozen at £2,500 a year until 2024. 

Last winter the average bill for households was £1,277 a year.