READERS have had their say about the recent closure of Caffé Nero in Festival Place.

As previously reported, the coffee shop located next to the Wote Street entrance to Festival Place has "closed due to circumstances 'beyond Caffé Nero's control."

The announcement has left many residents furious and upset, with Gazette readers taking to social media to voice their complaints in the comments.

On Instagram, Jen Churcher was unhappy: "Seriously, who is in charge of Festival Place? Why are they allowed to run it into the ground like this!"

READ MORE: Caffé Nero in Festival Place closes

Jane Weller believes that the town will become "A ghost town soon, (there is) nothing there hence I don’t bother going to town anymore."

Tim Marr commented: "Preferred going there for a drink in town than the normal Costa, bloody shame that it’s going."

Another reader said: "Gosh! Loved Nero! Hopefully, the one in Waterstones won't close."Basingstoke Gazette:

On Facebook, Alan Sinfield remarked: "Another decent coffee shop gone in Basingstoke town centre R.I.P. this town is dying."

Fran Parker said: "Massive Shame, only decent coffee place in town."

Roy Lane shared his opinion: "Oh dear, how sad, never mind. Feel for the staff but it’s just another coffee shop at the end of the day."

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One reader commented on the article: "Having visited Festival Place within the last few weeks, I was surprised to see how many retail units were empty."

Another said: "Caffe Nero was popular, staff were pleasant and trade seemed to be good, so it is sad to see them go."

Others speculated as to what might replace the much loved coffee shop, Ziba TarDokht said: "Another barber shop."

Lee Dauscha guessed: "Another betting shop or a cafe."

Are you upset to see Caffé Nero close down? Let us know in the comments.