ABINGDON has been dealt a double blow after the Upper Reaches Hotel and a Co-op store both announced their closure within days of each other.

The hotel, alongside the River Thames, closed on Saturday. It is not known why and the owners cannot be contacted.

That leaves the future of the converted 16th century mill, currently a 31-room guest house and restaurant, uncertain but residents hoped for a “good deal” for the town.

Dr John Race, who lives in Thames Street near the hotel, said it was a real asset to the town. He added: “This part of Abingdon is a bit of a showcase for people coming in.

“It has one of the best views and it’s really important that it’s maintained and we get a good deal for Abingdon.

“It’s always been a big feature of Abingdon and one of its famous hotels. It’s in a very good location and it’s a great shock that it should close so suddenly.”

The nearby Nag’s Head pub has seen an upturn in fortunes since it reopened following a refurbishment in 2012.

In 2013 the Old Gaol complex, also close by, underwent a major reconstruction with more than 50 apartments.

A restaurant quarter at the Old Gaol, with three or four restaurants, is being proposed.

Leader of Abingdon Town Council, Sandy Lovatt, said the hotel had the potential to thrive He said: “I’m surprised the hotel didn’t make the most for itself.

“What it needs is someone who could produce a boutique hotel, it’s in a prime location and it could be really good for Abingdon if run enthusiastically.

“The Nag’s Head pub has been refurbished and now it’s really thriving.”

Last week the Co-op also announced it would be closing its Bury Street precinct branch in July, at the end of its current lease. The chain has another store in West St Helen Street.

Since a £4.5m refurbishment in 2013 the Bury Street shop struggled to attract new businesses – two large units remain empty – and Mr Lovatt said the Co-op’s closure was a further blow.

He said: “It’s quite an important shop, one that attracts people into the town centre.”

A spokesman for the Co-op said: “The decision to close the store is in no way a reflection on the hard work and commitment from colleagues working at the store and we are currently looking to relocate as many as possible to other stores in the area.”