ONE of the most iconic landmarks in Ludlow has closed with the loss of 16 jobs.

The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow has closed its doors after going into administration.

It is hoped that a buyer can be found and that the building can reopen again at some point as a hotel.

On-going trading difficulties as the result of a legionnaires outbreak in 2017, meant that it was no longer viable for the business to remain open. The Company entered administration on Thursday, August 2.

Joint Administrators Raj Mittal and Steve Stokes, partners at specialist business advisory firm FRP Advisory LLP, are seeking a buyer for the hotel and have instructed property agents Lambert Smith Hampton and Christie & Co to market the property.

“Unfortunately, due to on-going trading difficulties it has not been possible for the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow to continue operating,” said Joint Administrator Raj Mittal.

“We are now focused on concluding a sale of the hotel on behalf of creditors.

“To that end we are working closely with property agents Lambert Smith Hampton and Christie & Co to find a buyer for the hotel.

“We are providing every support to all affected staff and very much hope that a sale can be secured to allow this iconic building to continue to operate as a hotel.”

Tim Simmons of Lambert Smith Hampton is hopeful that a buyer can be found.

"The Feathers Hotel is widely regarded as one of the most attractive hotels in the country,” he said.

“We have received good initial interest from a wide range of operators and are pleased to be advising the Administrators in relation to maximising the value for creditors.”

Elaine Brown passed away aged 69 at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital on Saturday, August 26, last year, after suffering a stroke after getting Legionnaires’ disease, which emerged just days after she stayed at the hotel with her husband Graham on Monday, July 31, 2017 as part of a coach tour excursion.

The Feathers Hotel voluntarily closed after her death, and Public Health England released details of another case that emerged in April, 2017, whereby another guest had contracted the illness after staying at the same hotel.

Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia linked to bacteria in water systems. The disease takes its name from an incident in Philadelphia in 1976 that resulted in the death of 29 veterans and affected another 182 attending a convention.

The Feathers with its half-timbered frontage dates back to 1619.

It is also noted for its Jacobean furnishings.