A POPULAR town centre restaurant has closed its doors after going into voluntary liquidation with debts of £100,000.

Truffle, based on Grange Road, Darlington, ceased trading last week and customers who bought gift vouchers for the restaurant are set to miss out on refunds, according the firm handling the insolvency.

A statement issued by Robson Scott Associates explained the decision.

It read: "This has regrettably resulted in the redundancy of eight employees including the minds behind the restaurant Matthew and Emma Robertson.

"It was not possible for the company to come to an agreement with its landlord in relation to a new lease agreement and as a result it could not continue to trade.

"The company behind Truffle Restaurant is unable to satisfy its outstanding debts in the region of £100,000, largely due to HM Revenue & Customs, and as a result the Director has made a decision to place the company into Creditors Voluntary Liquidation.

"We understand that there are a number of people with unused gift vouchers. Unfortunately the restaurant will not be able to honour these, nor are any funds available to facilitate refunds.

"If a gift voucher was purchased using a credit card your provider may be able to arrange a charge back refund and you should contact them directly in relation to this.

"If a charge back is not possible, gift voucher holders will be unsecured creditors in the liquidation and will receive paperwork shortly in relation to allow you to submit your claim.

"Sadly it is unlikely that there will be sufficient assets in the company to allow for a distribution to any class of creditors meaning they are unlikely to receive any repayments."

A statement issued on behalf of the owners, Emma and Matthew Robertson, reads: "We have had five and a bit great years on Grange Road and met some wonderful people along the way, some of whom are now very dear friends, so we will be sad to say goodbye.

"However, that said, the ongoing maintenance issues within the building and unsuccessful lease negotiations with the building owner have forced us to take this decision, which we feel is the right one for the business and our family at this time."