A POPULAR Indian restaurant has been forced to close at Penn Hill in Poole after more than two decades of trading.

The Rajasthan Restaurant shut down earlier this month after its lease was not renewed.

A statement posted online by the restaurant simply read: “After 21 years of successful business, sadly Rajasthan Restaurant will be closing permanently after trading tonight March 6.

“Our lease has not been renewed due to plans for redevelopment of the site.”

The statement goes on to confirm there are no plans to relocate the Indian restaurant to any new premises.

Plans have been lodged with the Borough of Poole (BOP), by the firm Javsford Investments Ltd, to demolish the existing building at 127 Penn Hill Avenue, where the Rajasthan was based, and build a new ground floor restaurant with five flats above.

These proposals are currently under the appeal process after initially being refused by the borough’s planning department.

Customer and Penn Hill resident Darren Stewart said: “This is a real shame, this place has been open for as long as I can remember. It was always packed out and locals recognised it as a bit of a gem.

“Sad day for Penn Hill when it closed last week.”

Another local told the Echo: “The fact that this place has been there for so long, when other establishments have come and gone, speaks volumes really.

“I’ll be keeping an eye on the site to see what pops up there in the future.”

Other customers took to social media to express their sadness at the news.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan statement concluded: “Julie, Shah, Bobby and the team would like to thank all our customers, friends and family for all your support over the years.

“It has been a pleasure to have been able to serve our style of food and being so appreciated. We’ll miss you all.”