Bosses of a ‘gorgeous’ garden centre which ‘offers solace’ have announced a shock closure prompting a deluge of heartfelt messages.

Preston Gardens and the adjoining Coppers Bistro near Wingham will be closed from August 27.

But this week a notice was posted on the closed gates stating: “The garden centre will be closed from Tuesday, August 27.

“To all our customers and friends, thank you for all your support over the last ten years.”

After the news, villagers shared their heartbreak on social media, with one saying: “What a huge shame.

“The peace and joy, a gorgeous garden centre and delicious food is a real gem and a solace for all in this busy world.

“I’m sad to see this.”

Another, John Greig, commented: “Very sad to see this.

“Always a lovely place to visit.

“Thanks to all who worked there and looked after us.”

Josie Leicester added: “We've had some great times there and wish everyone the best for the future.”

The owners had recently won a bid to build five new homes on some of their land, and the centre is currently on the market for £1.45 million.

But now, Preston Parish Council has revealed it will attempt to save the venue by turning it into a community centre.

Chair of the authority Tommy Gale said: “Many will have seen the recent post announcing that Coppers and the related Garden Centre is, sadly, closing.

“Firstly, the parish council would like to take the opportunity to thank the owner for their efforts in running the business that has brought so much to the community over the years.

“We have been aware of the potential closure for some time and have seen the potential for it to be developed into a community centre.

“The thinking is that it is well sited in the centre of the village and with substantial parking and, with some expansion, could effectively become the new village hall.

“The existing hall could then be repaired and reordered to provide facilities linked to sports activities on the recreation ground.”

Councillors have already been in discussions with the owners to see if there is a way of acquiring it for the community.

He continued: “The main problem is that of timing.

“Whilst we have the asset of the six acres, liquidating the funds from it is some way off and we have been exploring some potential interim arrangements.”

Six acres is a parcel of green land given to the council by a hauling company which moved out of its home in the village and replaced it with housing.

The authority has plans to redevelop some of its site with affordable housing.

Mr Gale added: “In the meantime, now that the closure has become common knowledge, we wanted to assure residents that your council is proactively ‘on the case’ and exploring all possibilities.

“In that respect, if anyone has any thoughts or proposals for running a community based business from the site, at least in the short term, we would be very pleased to hear from you.”

The sign on the gate adds that the plant sellers will be holding some sale weekends to clear out remaining stock.

These will be on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27.

The parish council opposed the scheme for houses on the site in July, arguing its appearance will be out of character with the rest of the village.

Before the successful five-house bid, owners put in two separate applications for ten, and then nine homes on the same plot.

The garden centre was put on the market in February for £1.45 million.

In its description, the estate agent says the property “offers huge potential for a purchaser to acquire a garden centre with a fantastic restaurant, shop and large plant area with huge scope to grow the business”.