AN "ICONIC" brand is set to leave Poole for good this autumn.

The Poole Pottery retail shop in the Quay will close after owners Denby Holdings were unable to reach an agreement with 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.

Gary Capell, retail director of Denby Holdings, said: “We have for some time been trying to reach agreement with our landlord at Poole on the Quay which would have allowed us to trade in the current building.

"However, despite extending the deadline for agreeing a new lease on three occasions, we have been unsuccessful in reaching an agreement.

"The situation has been further compounded by an uncertain future, taking into account the landlord’s ultimate plans for redevelopment or sale of the site and the fact that the fabric of the building itself isn’t viable for the business in the long term.

"It is with regret that the Denby Group Board has, therefore, decided to close Poole Pottery Retail site at Poole Quay with trading expected to continue until approximately October 15 2017, unless anything changes significantly over the next few months.

"We will continue to look for other suitable sites within Poole given the close association the brand has had with the town but at this time no agreements have been reached."

The Poole Pottery factory, previously located on the Quay, was moved to Stoke in 2006.

At the time, Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of the Poole Tourism Partnership, said the loss of the pottery could leave a £10m void in the town's finances.

Poole Tourism bosses have refused to speculate on the loss of income to the town when the shop closes.

Production of the company's designs will continue to be made at the Middleport Pottery, Mr Capell said.

Paul Dredge, acting chairman of the Poole Tourism Partnership, said last week: “This is hugely disappointing news, not only for Poole Quay but also for the town.

"Poole Pottery is a major player in the overall tourism product in Poole, especially in the day visit and group travel market.

"Having an international brand that bears the town’s name has been significant in promoting Poole to visitors and over the years it has played a massive part in developing and sustaining the town’s reputation as a visitor destination.

"We don’t want to lose this iconic brand and will be working to support the business in maintaining a valuable presence in Poole.

"While this is a blow, the Quay continues to be one of the town’s major draws with events and many businesses that are working hard to support the visitor offer.”

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, Poole council cabinet portfolio holder for the local economy, said: “Poole Pottery has a long history in the town going back to the 1800s and remains an important part of our tourism offer, so it disappointing to hear that the Denby Group has decided to close its retail site at Poole Quay.

"The council is keen to ensure that Poole Pottery’s long association with our borough continues in the future and has already offered to support Denby in its efforts to help find another suitable retail site in the town.”