ICONIC firm Poole Pottery has begun to close its Quay shop after owners failed to come to an agreement with the landlord.

The decision follows months of discussions between owners Denby Holdings and the landlord of the property.

The pottery has long been a name synonymous with the town and has been a huge draw for tourists and day-trippers for decades.

A statement from the business confirmed that the situation between the landlord and Denby Holdings "remains unresolved" and it was therefore necessary to commence the process of closing the store from Thursday, July 27.

But the Poole store and studio at the Quay will remain open and continue to trade until Thursday, October 15.

The news will come as a blow to hundreds of supporters who signed a petition hoping to save the pottery and keep it in the town.

Susan Smith, from Poole Pottery Collectors Club, launched the petition earlier this month.

The club, which are independent from the shop warned that is the pottery were to close Poole would lose that which makes it unique from any other seaside town.

They have also called for Borough of Poole to step up and help find an alternative premises for the business in the town.

Gary Capell, retail director of Denby Holdings said: “We will continue to look for alternative options but at this time there is nothing concrete in the pipeline which means it is necessary to commence the closing down process to ensure all deadlines are met.

"If anything changes in the meantime and an alternative solution can be found to keep Poole Pottery Retail and Studio within Poole, we will do our utmost to adapt plans appropriately.”

The Poole Pottery factory, previously located on the Quay, was moved to Stoke in 2006, but the shop and studio have been kept as popular attractions on the Quay.

The four designers and artists at the site help design new collections to be made at the Stoke factory, as well as making pieces decorated to make one-off products for sale at the shop.