A POPULAR petting farm has closed.

Wellybobs farm in Darwen has closed to the public after seven years.

The family attraction, which was dedicated to building up the population of Alpacas across the UK, gave visitors the chance to interact with a range of animals including Cattle, Reptiles and Guinea Pigs.

It is understood that a variety of factors contributed to owner Heath Kershaw’s decision to close the farm which will see a number of the animals transferred to other petting farms.

Mr Kershaw announced the news in a Facebook post yesterday afternoon.

He wrote: "Sorry, Wellybobs is now closed to the public. We would like to thank all our staff and visitors who have helped to keep the farm running over the past seven years."

Fans of the farm took to social media to express their shock and sadness at the news

Kerry Louise Healy said: “I’m sad to hear that.

“Me and my family have had some lovely times there.”

Julie Nixon said: "This is a very sad status.

“We will miss our trips with our children.

“Wish you lots of luck and maybe we will see you as a road show, thanks so much.”

Gail Smalley said: "I’ve literally just been there two hours ago. What a shame that it’s shutting."

It comes less than a month after Mr Kershaw said he could be forced to shut down because of frequent power cuts.

He said Electricity North West had shut the power off to the petting farm seven times this year in order to perform maintenance work.

Speaking in October Mr Kershaw said: “When they turn the power off we have no option but to close for the day.

“For a business that relies on weekend and school holiday trade its devastating.

“In terms of profits we are losing around £500 a time.

“We have to make special provisions for the exotic animals and we have emergency procedures for the reptiles, so even when we’re closed we have to be in to care for the animals.

"If this carries on there will be no point running the business.”

Mr Kershaw confirmed that the Wellybobs Roadshow, a mobile farm that brings the animals to a variety of locations including schools, events and pubs, would still be available.

For more information visit visitwellybobs.co.uk/wellybobs-roadshow